Pandan MP Dr. Wan Azizah Wan Ismail urged the government to expedite amendments to Section 309 of the Penal Code on attempted suicide.
According to her, attempted suicide should no longer be categorized as a criminal offense but rather mental health concerns that require sympathy, not punishment. She added, “The Covid-19 crisis has resulted in many children being orphaned. It also affects the mental and physical health of the population. Many have lost the will to survive and forced to end their lives."
In this year alone, a total of 638 suicides were reported in the country between January and July, an increase of 143% over the same period just last year. These aren't just statistics or collateral damages— it's a dolor display of constitutional failure that refuses to acknowledge the importance of mental health.
Individuals with suicidal tendencies deserve appropriate assistance needed to guide them through difficult episodes. Don't treat them like criminals.
