Section 309 of the Penal Code states that ‘Whoever attempts to commit suicide, and does any act towards the commission of such offense, shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year or with a fine or with both’.
This law has long been frowned upon by Malaysians as suicide is linked to depression, a mental illness that pushes many, including those who are severely struggling through life, to the edge.
Which is why it is amazing to hear that the government has agreed to abolish the law and decriminalise attempted suicide, as announced by Deputy Health Minister II, Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang, during today’s Dewan Rakyat session as showcased by Astro Awani.
“Suicide cases under Section 309 to convict those who (attempt to) commit suicide as an offence has been discussed for a while and the process (to abolish it) is underway,”
“And, I have been informed that, so far, the Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN) and the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) have agreed to abolish Section 309 to convict (attempted) suicide,” he said.
Datuk Aaron added that the next step in this process will be to make amendments to Section 309 so that those who commit suicide or attempt suicide will never be convicted ever again.
His annoucement came after Kemaman MP Datuk Che Alias Hamid asked about the government’s efforts to expedite the process to abolish the offence of attempted suicide.
This is truly a huge step towards understanding the hardships and experiences of those living with mental illnesses such as depression.
What do you think about this? Let us know in the comment section.
Also read: Suicide Rates In M’sia Have Increased By 143%, We Need To Stop These Rising Figures Now!
