BUKIT MERTAJAM – An inmate at the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) rehabilitation centre here was found dead in a bathroom yesterday.
In the 8.10pm incident, the body of the 36-year-old man was found by a patrolling officer on duty at the inmate’s dormitory.
The deceased had left an apology note to his family members and also expressed disappointment after being jilted by his girlfriend.
This is the second death linked to suicide in Penang in recent days, with the other being a 26-year-old who fell from a high-rise in Butterworth last Wednesday.
It is believed that the inmate enlisted at the centre voluntarily in a bid to turn over a new leaf for the sake of his girlfriend, but later discovered that she had cheated on him.
Seberang Prai Tengah district police chief Shafee Abd Samad said the man had registered at the centre on April 19.
However, he had been isolated and placed in the Narcotics Addiction Rehabilitation Centre Ward (Puspen) Bukit Mertajam after being diagnosed with scabies.
“The last time he was seen alive was at 4.30pm, when the medical staff came to the ward to remind him to take medication given by the doctor,” said Shafee.
His body was then found by a patrol officer later that evening.
“He used a trouser strap to tie his neck on the toilet door frame. Specialist doctors said there were no signs of criminal elements and no physical injuries on the body of the deceased,” Shafee said.
The body of the man, who had four records for drug-related offences, was taken to Seberang Jaya Hospital for a post-mortem.
Under Section 309 of the Penal Code, attempted suicide is punishable with imprisonment for a maximum term of one year or a fine, or both.
Police have classified the case as sudden death. – The Vibes, June 25, 2021
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