This study presents the demographical characteristics of 271 cases of parasuicide seen at the Psychiatric Clinic, General Hospital, Kuala Lumpur, during 1982. The majority of cases were women in the 20 - 30 year age group, from a lower economic class, with minimal education. About one-half were single and 61.5% were actively religious. The racial breakdown was Indians 55%, Chinese 32% and Malays 13%. Self-poisoning using easily available drugs was the most common method employed and more than one-half intended to die at the time of the suicidal act. Most attempts were impulsive, carried out while alone, inside the
house. The findings are discussed and compared with earlier studies of attempted suicides in Malaysia and Singapore.