KUALA LUMPUR: The Home Ministry and Attorney General's Chambers (AGC) have agreed to abolish Section 309 of the Penal Code, which criminalises attempts to commit suicide.
Deputy Health Minister II Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang said the next stage would be discussed at the Cabinet-level.
"Attempting suicide is an offence, the matter has been long discussed and I understand the Home Ministry and the AGC have agreed to abolish Section 309 (of the Penal Code).
"The matter will be presented in Cabinet to make amendments so the offence of attempted suicide will not be convicted as a criminal offence anymore," he told the Dewan Rakyat today.
Aaron was responding to a supplementary question from Che Alias Hamid (Perikatan Nasional-Kemaman) on the latest developments on attempted suicide offences in the country.
On Sept 15, Aaron said the proposal to decriminalise attempted suicide would be tabled and discussed in Cabinet soon, adding that a total 956 cases involving people suspected of experiencing mental breakdown were detected between March and September this year.
For psychosocial support, a hotline was set up by the ministry in collaboration with Mercy Malaysia, namely the Health Ministry-Mercy Malaysia Psychosocial Support Helpline at 03-2935 9935.
The government also offers emotional support, and counselling for stress, anxiety, and loss of hope via the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry Talian Kasih at 15999 or the public can reach out to The Befrienders Kuala Lumpur at 03-7627 292.