Health Ministry waiting for AGC feedback on decriminalising suicide

PETALING JAYA: The Health Ministry is still waiting for feedback from the Attorney General's Chambers on the amendment to Act 309 of the Penal Code, involving a moratorium on the prosecution and conviction of attempts to commit suicide.

Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin (pic) said the Cabinet was of the view that the matter would have to be finalised at the AGC level before the government makes a decision.

"I have raised the issue on this moratorium and the Cabinet feels that before we decide, we need to get views if suicide attempts can be decriminalised," he told reporters after officiating the dialogue session in conjunction with the hospital directors' conference here on Tuesday (June 21).

The Health Ministry had earlier submitted a memorandum for a moratorium on the prosecution and conviction involving attempted suicides to the Cabinet.

The memorandum is in an effort to decriminalise suicide attempts and to defer or repeal sentencing of the offence under Section 309 of the Penal Code until amendments to the law are made.

Under Section 309 of the Penal Code, whoever attempts to commit suicide can be jailed up to one year, fined, or both.

Those in need of help and counselling can reach out to: Mental Health Psychosocial Support Service (03-2935 9935 or 014-322 3392); Talian Kasih (15999 or WhatsApp [phone]); Jakim’s Family, Social and Community Care Centre (WhatsApp [phone]); and Befrienders Kuala Lumpur (03-7627 2929) or checkout www.befrienders.org.my/centre-in-malaysia for a full list of numbers and operating hours).

- Bernama