GEORGE TOWN – Muda Penang has expressed its concern over the increase in suicide cases at the Penang Bridge.
Its chairman Jazz Tan Yee Mei said it was time for the government to look into the matter and proceed with all that is needed to achieve the repeal of Section 309 of the Penal Code.
“This bill has reached the cabinet but there is still no discussion in tabling the repeal.
“Currently, a total of 19 attempted suicide cases and 53 suicides were reported in Penang from January to May last year,” she said in a statement to The Vibes.
Attempted suicide is still classified as a crime under the Penal Code and is placed under the jurisdiction of police rather than the Health Ministry.
Under Section 309 of the Penal Code, attempted suicide is punishable by up to a year in prison, or a fine, or both.
In October last year, the Dewan Rakyat was informed that the Home Ministry and the Attorney-General’s Chambers had agreed to repeal Section 309 of the Penal Code, which classifies attempted suicide as a crime.
Deputy Health Minister II Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang reportedly said that the proposed repeal of the law was at the stage where it will be brought to the cabinet for a decision.
Tan said Muda Penang also urged the Malaysian Highway Authority to put up signboards informing about assistance for victims who want to commit suicide or redirecting them to non-government organisations that focuses on mental health.
“The government has allocated RM70 million under the 2022 budget to develop a robust mental health support system.
“Muda Penang seeks clarification on where the budget has been spent and the outcome of it as well.”
Earlier, The Vibes reported that a mental health expert has called for surveillance to be beefed up on Penang Bridge after at least five individuals jumped off the structure in the span of the last 12 days.
The incidents occurred in the midst of the long Hari Raya Aidilfitri period when the bridge recorded a high level of traffic.
Synthia Surin, regional director of the International College of Clinical Hypnotherapy Practitioners Asia, told The Vibes that patrols must be doubled to prevent the bridge from becoming a chosen spot for suicidal persons. – The Vibes, May 17, 2022
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