AGC And Home Ministry Agree To Decriminalise Suicide And Abolish Section 309 Of Penal Code
Amendments will be made to Section 309 so that those who attempt suicide will not be found guilty.
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The Ministry of Home Affairs and Attorney General's Chambers (AGC) have agreed to abolish Section 309 of the Penal Code that criminalises suicide attempts
According to The Vibes, during Ministers' Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat today, 7 October, Deputy Health Minister II Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang said the matter will be brought to the Cabinet.
"Suicide cases under Section 309, which states that attempting suicide is an offence, have been a topic of discussion for a long time, and the process (of abolition) is underway," he said.
He then added, "I understand that the Home Ministry and AGC have agreed to abolish Section 309 related to suicide attempts, and now, the matter will be brought to the Cabinet."
Image via RTM/Malaysiakini
The deputy minister also noted that amendments will be made to Section 309 so that those who attempt suicide will not be found guilty
The Penal Code currently states, "Whoever attempts to commit suicide, and does any act towards the commission of such offence, shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year or with fine or with both."
Asking for help is not a sign of weakness.
If you or anyone you know is lonely, distressed, or having negative thoughts, please call these Malaysian hotlines:
1. BEFRIENDERS KL
24-hour
Contact: +603-76272929
Email: sam@befrienders.org.my
Website | Facebook | Twitter
2. TALIAN KASIH
24-hour
Contact: 15999
WhatsApp: +6019-2615999
Email: taliannur@kpwkm.gov.my
Website | Facebook
3. BUDDY BEAR CHILDLINE
Daily (12pm - 12am)
Contact: 1800-18-2327
Email: buddybear@humankind.my
Facebook | Instagram
For a more thorough directory of resources, head over to the websites of Malaysian Mental Health Association or MINDAKAMI.
Malaysians have long called for the decriminalisation of suicide to end the stigma of mental health:
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