News of the unanimous agreement over the abolishment of Section 309 of the Penal Code, by the Malaysian Parliament on the 22nd of May 2023, has brought delight among Malaysians, as they seek to decriminalize suicide attempts.
While both parties agree that the amendment is necessary, a Perikatan Nasional (PN) Member of Parliament (MP) has raised the question, of the citizen's awareness of the crime of suicide.
According to Sinar Harian, Kuala Langat representative, Dr Ahmad Yunus Hairi has stated in his point during the debate for the Penal Code amendment bill debate, over the lack of awareness of the act of committing suicide is a crime, thus leading to the failure to reduce the suicide rates among Malaysians.
“ Just how far does our citizen understand or receive the information that attempting suicide is a crime?”
“I assume, most of the citizens do not understand the laws, thus contributing to the failure to reduce the suicide rates,” says Ahmad Yunus.
Ahmad Yunus also stated concerns about the rising suicide attempt rates among Malaysian teenagers, due to depression and how it affects their future.
According to Ahmad Yunus, the criminal record of the suicide attempt will marred their records, thus impacted their chances to further their study or job application.
Ahmad Yunus also stated, while for Muslims, the religion itself may help with the tendencies, the government should have a rehabilitation centre to treat and cure suicide attempts patients.
“ It will help the citizens for a long time.”
The Malaysian Insight reported research has been done thoroughly on the effort of decriminalizing suicide attempts, including in Islamic views to ensure it is Syariah compliant.
According to the Deputy Minister of The Prime Minister Office (Law and Reformation), Ramkarpal Singh, consultations with experts and those who will be benefitted had been conducted from 2018-2022.
Ramkarpal stated, the Attorney's Chambers of Malaysia had consulted Wilayah Persekutuan Mufti's office regarding to the issues, and received no backlash over it.
"Act 574 Section 309 must be abolished to change the punitive approach of suicide attempts, rather than medical treatments," says Ramkarpal.
However, the collision of suicide attempts is still a crime under Act306 Section305.
The abolishment of Act 574 Section 309 will be a stepping to decrease the stigma of suicidal tendencies while preventing more cases of suicides and encouraging the victims to step up and get the help they need.
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