GEORGE TOWN: The 45-year-old woman, who was rescued by her husband after jumping off the Penang Bridge this afternoon, is suffering from depression.
"Interview with the victim's husband revealed that she has been suffering from depression for the past few years.
"We are still probing the matter further. The case is being investigated under Section 309 of the Penal Code for attempted suicide," Seberang Prai Tengah district police chief Assistant Commissioner Shafee Abd Samad said tonight.
Earlier this afternoon, it was reported that a man had jumped off the Penang Bridge to rescue his wife, who fell into the sea at KM1.0 of the bridge (island-bound).
His act of bravery succeeded when he pulled his 45-year-old wife to safety.
The Prai Fire and Rescue Department was alerted to the incident about 4.40pm.
The incident was witnessed by the couple's 9-year-old son, who had apparently stopped passing motorists for help.
Shafee said by the time police arrived at the scene, the woman had already been rescued by the marine police and brought to their base in Batu Uban.
He said the investigating officer was told by eyewitness that the victim had jumped off the Penang Bridge as soon as she alighted from a Proton Saga Aeroback.
"Not long after, her husband and son, who had tailed her on a motorcycle, arrived.
"He (the husband) also jumped off the Penang Bridge to rescue his wife.
"Both were subsequently brought to shore by marine police," he added.
Photos and videos of the incident have since flooded the social media.