A Pilot Who Lost His Job During MCO Dies By An Apparent Suicide
Police learnt that the victim lost his job two months ago and had been in a distressed state ever since.
By Yap Wan Xiang — 06 Aug 2020, 12:38 PM
A 35-year-old former pilot of a low-cost airline was found dead below his condominium in Bandar Kinrara, Serdang on Monday, 3 August
According to Bernama, the man was believed to have jumped from his unit at about 3pm and his injuries are consistent with the fall.
Serdang district police chief ACP Ismadi Borhan did not find any suspicious elements or foul play in his death. Hence, the case has been classified as sudden death.
In a report by Free Malaysia Today, the former pilot has been identified as A Sanjiv Daevin.
According to witness statements and people close to Sanjiv, the victim lost his job two months ago during the Movement Control Order (MCO)
It is no secret that aviation is one of the most hard-hit industries amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The airline had reportedly retrenched about 100 pilots in March after countries and states put up travel bans.
"[It] is learnt that the victim had lost his job two months ago and had been in a distressed state," Ismadi said.
"The inability to cope with his stress led to his decision to jump from his condo building."
Police are currently investigating the matter further.
It is believed that Sanjiv did not have any debts prior to his death
A friend of the victim, veteran musician Eddie Zachariah, said Sanjiv's father told him on Tuesday, 4 August, that Sanjiv had no debts, but only some small overdue payments.
"His father told him not to worry as he would settle the payments for him," Zachariah said.
Following the news of his death, Sanjiv's fraternity has taken to social media to say goodbye to their multi-talented friend
Sanjiv would have celebrated his 36th birthday next Wednesday, 12 August, reported Malay Mail.
Since the age of 17, Sanjiv had been a part of a local fusion band called Aseana Percussion Unit (APU). He played keyboard, piano, violin, bass, guitar, and drums.
Band leader Edwin Nathaniel told Free Malaysia Today that Sanjiv used to teach music instruments at Music Mart, Petaling Jaya before joining an academy to become a pilot.
Edwin said Sanjiv did not show any signs of depression when they met recently. A senior staff of the airline also echoed the same when Sanjiv came back to the office last week to get a reference letter.
Another employee said some cabin crew members met Sanjiv at a club a day before his death.
Asking for help is not a sign of weakness.
If you or anyone you know may be at risk of suicide, please call these Malaysian hotlines:
1. BEFRIENDERS KL
24-hour
Contact: +603-76272929
Skype: BefKL Skype 1
Email: [email protected]
Website | Facebook | Twitter
2. TALIAN KASIH
24-hour
Contact: 15999
WhatsApp: +6019-2615999
Email: [email protected]
Website | Facebook
For a more thorough directory of resources, head over to the Malaysian Mental Health Association's website.
