Off-duty fireman saves woman from leaping off Penang Bridge

BUTTERWORTH: The heroic act of an off-duty fireman helped save the life of a woman who wanted to throw herself off of Penang Bridge on Saturday (May 21).

State Fire and Rescue Department spokesperson said the department received a call from the public informing them about the incident that occurred at KM3.4 island bound at about 3.35pm.

"A team of firemen arrived at the scene and saw the victim already being rescued by an off-duty fireman who happened to be at the scene during the incident," he said in a statement on Saturday (May 21).

The spokesperson said the 43-year-old victim then was handed over to police for further action.

The operation ended at about 4.25pm.

In a video clip that has been viral in social media, the woman can be seen standing at the ledge of the bridge with some passers-by trying to persuade her not to jump.

Suddenly, out of nowhere, a man with his motorcycle helmet still on grabbed the woman from behind.

Other passers-by also came to help by assisting the man to block the woman from attempting to jump again.

Those suffering from mental health issues or contemplating suicide can reach out to the Mental Health Psychosocial Support Service (03-2935 9935/ 014-322 3392); Talian Kasih (15999/ 019-261 5999 on WhatsApp); Jakim’s (Department of Islamic Development Malaysia) family, social and community care centre (0111-959 8214 on WhatsApp); and Befrienders Kuala Lumpur (03-7627 2929 or go to the Befriendersfor a full list of numbers nationwide and operating hours, or email [e-mail]).