Section 309 That Criminalises Attempted Suicide Will Soon Be Abolished in M’sia
Malaysia’s most devastating social problem is a growing mental health crisis and its increasingly common outcome: suicide. Back in July, Malaysian police released the astonishing figure of 468 suicides in the first five months of 2021 – that is an average of three a day, nearly double the rate in 2020.
What’s more shocking is that Malaysia is one of only 25 countries worldwide, and one of only three member states of the 10-country Association of Southeast Asian Nations, that still criminalises it. With the increasing numbers, many have called out to the government to decriminalise it and take on mental health issues seriously.
Fortunately, today (7 Oct) the Home Ministry and Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) have agreed to abolish Section 309 of the Penal Code that criminalises attempted suicide.
To refresh, Section 309 of the Penal Code states that those who are unsuccessful in their suicide attempt could face charges and…
