KUALA LUMPUR: The Youth in Politics (YPolitics) movement has demanded all state assemblymen, parliamentarians and senators to manifest greater political will to decriminalise attempted suicide.
In conjunction with World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD), the movement advocated seven new measures for the government to adopt to reduce suicide rates.
In Malaysia, anyone who attempts to commit suicide can be sentenced with up to a year in jail or a fine, or both, under Section 309 of the Penal Code.
The movement, comprising 17 civil society groups such as Malaysian Medics International (MMI) and Hakam Youth, urged for the punishment to be replaced with mental health rehabilitation.
"We condemn issuing fines and jail time as an appropriate response to those suffering from severe mental health problems, especially attempted suicide.
"Instead, the federal government should adopt rehabilitative solutions under the Health Ministry as a means of strengthening support mechanisms for Malaysians and non-Malaysians.
"Allow counselling centres to operate with strict standard operating procedures (SOP) during the lockdown. Discuss and vote on the decriminalisation of suicide when Parliament reconvenes.
"Introduce a moratorium as a short-term solution that avoids fining and jailing Malaysians and non-Malaysians who have attempted suicide.
"Optimise the role of special select committee to address mental health problems. Pardon and review cases for those who have been prosecuted and convicted under provision Section 309 of the Penal Code.
"Revive the National Suicide Registry of Malaysia (NSRM) to drive effective policymaking and long-term solutions to address the rising cases of suicide," they said in a statement today.
Criminalising suicide, they said, leads to those battling mental health problems being afraid to seek help due to the negative stigmatisation by the law.
"The stigma and criminality which frames suicide has led family, friends and the general society to ignore the desperate calls for help.
"Instead, mental health in Malaysia needs to be approached with compassion, data-driven solutions, and ethical policymaking. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness," they added.
On June 29, Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said that an average of four suicide cases were reported daily in the first three months of 2021.
Earlier today, he also pledged to support efforts in decriminalising suicide attempts and a review of Section 309 of the Penal Code which criminalises the act.
WSPD is observed on Sept 10 every year to demonstrate a global commitment to curb suicides.
The theme for this year's WSPD is "Creating Hope through Action".