The Ministry of Health (MOH) announced that the decriminalisation of suicide is in the works as they are developing a memorandum to seek the Cabinet to put a stay on those who attempt suicide.

Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said, “This memorandum is to seek Cabinet approval for an immediate moratorium period whereby no charges or convictions will be made under Section 309 for attempted suicide cases pending the repeal or amendment of the provision in Parliament.”

The minister’s words were gladly heard by the people as they praise the health government body as emphatic and compassionate.

Mark Ooi said, “A brilliant, empathetic and compassionate move! Everyone needs to recognize that attempted suicide is not an attempt to commit a crime.”

Suicide is a desperate cry for help, stemming from depression or other mental health problems.

Mark believes that punishment and shame are the wrong way to handle it, rather victims need help, kindness and understanding.

Psychology graduate Prishalini Rajagumar has shared that taking force on suicidal victims will make it worse and pushes them to more irreversible means of self-harm.

Within the last three months, Malaysia had accounted for 336 suicide cases.

From March 25, 2020, to November 7, 2021, hotlines by MOH, MERCY Malaysia and Talian Kasih received 232,873 calls in relation to suicide.

-THE MALAYSIA VOICE