The number of government officials who committed suicide in fiscal 1999 rose for the fifth straight year to 138, 14 more than the previous year, according to a survey released Friday by the National Personnel Authority.
Those officials who died while engaged in regular government service came to 972, up 32 from the previous fiscal year, according to the survey on the causes of death.
The authority said it will set up a consultation office for workers at ministries and agencies and try to improve other counseling measures.
By cause of death, cancer topped the list at 450, followed by suicide and then heart disease at 112. There were also 84 who died in accidents and 80 by stroke.
Those who died from disease of one kind or another accounted for more than 75 percent.