THE Dewan Rakyat’s decision to drop a legal provision that categorised suicidal attempts as an offence has been widely praised.
Under Section 309 of the Penal Code, those found attempting suicide previously could face up to a jail term of up to one year, or a fine, or both, upon conviction.
During a session on May 22, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Legal and Institutional Reforms) Ramkarpal Singh told Dewan Rakyat that nowadays, medical treatment, rather than prosecution, is the most effective way to address this issue.
He said those in need of help could now come out and seek assistance.
Alliance For A Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye expressed support for the unanimous vote in the Lower House.
“It is a long-awaited process as we have made the calls for the Government to drop the legal provision back then.
“Of course, we are delighted the legal provision is now dropped. With this move, those with depression or mental health can now step forward to seek help.
“It was inhumane to haul these people to court as they were suffering from mental health and this move could not help them at all.
“Hence, it is timely that those people can now approach others for help,” he told Buletin Mutiara.
Pertubuhan Kebajikan Sneham Malaysia founder Datuk Dr Florence Sinniah praised the Government’s effort to abolish Section 309 of the Penal Code.
“Those with mental health problems should not be punished as they are in dire need of clinical assessment and treatment.
“At least, they can now be free to share their thoughts with others without any fear,” she said.
Dr Florence said 45% of callers with suicidal thoughts had sought Sneham over the past few months.
Ang Beh Sim, 47, applauded the Federal Government’s move to decriminalise attempted suicide.
“These people shouldn’t be blamed or punished for their actions. In fact, they should be counselled and given support,” he said.
A direct sales distributor, known as Tan, however, disagreed. He said decriminalisation would not necessarily reduce suicidal thoughts, arguing that individuals may still act upon those thoughts.
“I don’t see any correlation as people would tend to take their own lives if suicidal thoughts come across their mind,” he said.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis and courtesy of interviewees