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GEORGE TOWN – A mental health expert has called for surveillance to be beefed up on Penang Bridge after at least five individuals jumped off the structure in the span of the last 12 days.
The incidents occurred in the midst of the long Hari Raya Aidilfitri period when the bridge recorded a high level of traffic.
Synthia Surin, regional director of the International College of Clinical Hypnotherapy Practitioners Asia, told The Vibes that patrols must be doubled to prevent the bridge from becoming a preferred spot for suicidal persons.
We should also consider installing more CCTVs on the bridge to make it difficult for people to jump off,” she said.
In her work, Surin has interviewed many patients with suicidal tendencies who attested that they found the 13.5km bridge an easy place to end their lives.
Considered a key traffic artery in Penang, the bridge, which was completed in 1985, is now also a spot where mentally distressed persons head to do the unthinkable.
According to Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency Penang director Abd Razak Mohamed, there have been eight confirmed suicides on the bridge so far this year.
The suicides have come at a period when people are reeling from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on their economic conditions, as well as their minds and physical health.
Yesterday, a passer-by on the bridge alerted the authorities upon seeing a man allegedly jumping off the bridge at about 11.42am.
A car belonging to the victim with its engine still running was found at the scene. Search operations for the man, identified as a 28-year-old, were still underway till late yesterday.
Earlier, on May 9, a 66-year-old retiree abandoned his car at the midway point of the bridge before falling into the Penang Channel below.
The victim from Paya Terubong was found drowned later.
Sharing her experience, Surin said that the actual suicide rate is believed to be higher, as for every case reported, another goes unreported due to the stigma associated with the act.
Many families, especially in Asian societies, treat suicides as a social taboo and are unwilling to report it. They prefer to avoid it or mention another illness as a cause of death,” she said.
Meanwhile, Penang Welfare exco Phee Boon Poh suggested that the bridge’s operator erect huge billboards to deter people from attempting to jump off.
There must also be phone numbers displayed where distress calls can be made and for anyone who is affected to reach out immediately, he said.
Those who witness people jumping off the bridge and behaving suspiciously there can contact MERS 999 or the maritime operations centre at 04-262-6146 to relay the information.
When contacted, an official with bridge operator PLUS Malaysia Bhd said that they will study the matter first before offering comment.
On another matter, Surin confirmed that many housemen in government service are suffering from mental fatigue due to the stress which comes with their jobs.
But many are unwilling to seek help, as they fear being stigmatised.
Surin suggests that public hospitals change the system to ensure that junior doctors could cope with the rigours of working as housemen. – The Vibes, May 17, 2022
Those suffering mental health issues can call Talian Kasih at 15999, or reach out to Befrienders at 03-7627-2929 or sam@befrienders.org.my for support
