National Coalition for Mental Wellbeing calls government to repeal Section 309
June 6, 2021
The sentencing of persons who have attempted suicide to prisons would not lead to a solution. What is required is a compassionate care based approach.
The National Coalition for Mental Wellbeing (NCMW) initiated by Rotary Malaysia calls for an urgent repeal to Section 309 of the Penal Code (ACT 574) Malaysia. The section criminalizes the attempt of suicide with imprisonment of up to one year, fines or both regardless of the reasons behind the suicide attempt. A sentence of imprisonment for attempted suicide may amount to an injustice.
“The unsettling rise in local suicides is a national concern, and the Covid-19 pandemic has been a huge contributory factor towards mental health of individuals. The sentencing of persons who have attempted suicide to prisons would not lead to a solution, and what is required is a compassionate care based approach. With suicide being decriminalized, people suffering suicidal tendencies will be more forthcoming, and likely to seek help without being ridiculed” said Dato Bindi Rajasegaran, District Governor Rotary 3300. In June, there was an alarming average of four suicide cases every day for the first three months of the year. In 2020, the total number of deaths as a result of suicide was 631 and in 2019 it was 609. These numbers are very concerning, and the need to have stronger responses to this crisis is more pressing than ever. NCMW applauds the government of Malaysia’s initiative to table the relevant amendments to the Penal Code, and its commitment to decriminalize attempted suicide. The National Coalition of Mental Wellbeing would like to propose the government to maintain its firm commitment by taking the following steps:
It is time for Malaysia to emulate the approach taken by other countries in repealing this legislation. Concrete decision-making processes regarding mental health issues must be in place to create a compassionate and resilient society. |
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