In the past couple of years, we’ve been seeing more and more suicide and attempted suicide cases in Malaysia.
But the worse part of it all is not the fact that people are choosing to take their lives, but the fact that the Malaysian authorities consider these actions to be a crime and can arrest and jail those who survive suicide attempts.
For example, Astro Awani reported that an OKU man from Terengganu who had tried to hang himself with a nylon rope from the ceiling of a house in Kuala Nerus was arrested last December, and just 2 days ago, pleaded guilty, acknowledging that he understood the charges being read to him before he was taken to jail. He was charged according to Section 309 of the Penal Code.
Source: twitter
Netizen, ChekMad (@TheChekMad) took to his Twitter account to share on how those who attempt suicide require psychological help, not to be treated like criminals.
ATTEMPTING SUICIDE IS NOT A CRIME!!!
THEY NEED COUNSELING & UNPREJUDICED ACCESS TO MEDICAL TREATMENT!!!
PLEASE DECRIMINALISE ATTEMPTED SUICIDE!! @drwanazizah @hannahyeoh @DrDzul @BefriendersKL
— ChekMad (@TheChekMad) February 2, 2020
He wrote, “Attempting suicide is not a crime! They need counselling and unprejudiced access to medical treatment. Please decriminalise attempted suicide!”
And he’s not alone.
Source: twitter
Source: twitter
This comment says, “What’s the purpose of putting him in jail? If someone is mentally unstable, you can’t expect him to go ‘oh, I’m going to repent now because I’m in jail’ because you’ll never know what he has gone through in his life. Instead, try helping him by providing therapy sessions and counselling.”
The government has since considered decriminalising attempted suicide by the middle of 2020.
We genuinely hope that this poor man’s sentence is reconsidered even though attempted is considered a crime for now.
Attempting suicide is not a crime, it’s a cry for help. Those who are experiencing suicidal thoughts and tendencies can talk to the Befrienders at 03-7956 8145.
What do you think about this? Let us know in the comments section.
Also read: Netizens Criticise Sabah Man Who Attempted Suicide But Landed on Car, Pity Car Owner Instead
