KUCHING: It is high time Section 309 of the Penal Code be repealed as concerns over people committing and attempting suicide grow.
Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Childhood Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said those attempting suicide should not be punished as they were not criminals, and thus she supported fully the government’s move to decriminalise this.
“In the act of self-harm and attempting suicide, we need to help them get back on track. That should be the priority.
“What they don’t need is to be prosecuted,” Fatimah said during the Gawai Raya open house organised by the Women and Family Department at its complex here yesterday.
She stressed that there was a serious need to not stigmatise those suffering from mental illness today.
“Those seeking help with mental health professionals must not be called insane.
“We need to understand and learn about the different mental health conditions. Many of them can be treated and we must not leave them out of society,” she pointed out.
She also urged family and friends to be alert to suicide warning signs and ensure their loved ones received the necessary support.
“As a responsible and caring person, we all have an important role to play. We must be there for those, especially the depressed, or suffering from other mental health conditions. Talk to them, bring them to get help before the condition gets worse,” she said.
On June 13, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail said the Attorney General’s Chambers had been directed to study a proposal on the decriminalising of attempted suicide.
