UPDATE: Attempted self-termination is no longer a crime in Malaysia. The 2023 law came into effect on Sep 10, World Suicide Prevention Day.

Malaysia Decriminalises Attempted Suicide, Law Takes Effect on World Suicide Prevention Day

Kuala Lumpur, 10 September 2025 — Malaysia has officially decriminalised attempted suicide, marking a historic shift in how the nation addresses mental health crises. The repeal of Section 309 of the Penal Code came into force today, coinciding with World Suicide Prevention Day.

The change stems from three laws passed in Parliament in 2023: the Penal Code (Amendment) (No. 2) Act 2023, the Criminal Procedure Code (Amendment) (No. 2) Act 2023, and the Mental Health (Amendment) Act 2023. After receiving royal assent and gazettement, the laws officially took effect on 10 September 2025.

Previously, under Section 309 of the Penal Code, attempting suicide was punishable by up to one year in prison, a fine, or both. With the repeal, individuals who attempt suicide will no longer face criminal punishment. Instead, the government has pledged to expand access to mental health interventions, counselling, and crisis support.

Deputy Health Minister Lukanisman Awang Sauni said the amendments signal a major policy shift from punishment to care. “We recognise that people who attempt suicide require help, not handcuffs,” he said, adding that suicide prevention hotlines and crisis response teams will be further strengthened.

However, the decriminalisation applies only to attempted suicide. Offences related to abetment of suicide — such as encouraging, aiding, or assisting another person to take their life — remain criminal under Sections 305 and 306 of the Penal Code.

Mental health advocates have long argued that criminalising suicide attempts discouraged vulnerable individuals from seeking help. With today’s legal change, Malaysia joins a growing list of countries in the region adopting a more compassionate, health-based approach to suicide prevention.

The timing of enforcement — on World Suicide Prevention Day — was deliberate, according to government officials, aimed at underscoring Malaysia’s commitment to tackling the stigma around mental health and providing support for those in crisis.

For immediate help, individuals in Malaysia can contact Talian HEAL 15555 or Befrienders Kuala Lumpur at 03-7627 2929 or other crisis hotlines available nationwide.

Already passed in 2023 but only takes effect now. I'm curious how these things actually works

Already passed in 2023 but only takes effect now. I'm curious how these things actually works

So for those who say no reform under Madani, think again.

Good question — in Malaysia, there’s often a gap between when Parliament passes a bill and when the law actually takes effect. Here’s why it may have taken from 2023 until 10 September 2025 for the repeal of Section 309 to be enforced:

Royal Assent & Gazette ≠ Immediate Effect

Even after a bill is passed and receives royal assent, it doesn’t automatically come into force.

The Act usually states that it “shall come into operation on a date to be appointed by the Minister by notification in the Gazette.” This allows the government flexibility in timing.

Implementation Readiness

Decriminalising attempted suicide requires replacing punishment with support systems — e.g., hotlines, psychiatric services, crisis response teams, training for police/first responders.

It’s likely the government needed time to strengthen mental health infrastructure before removing the legal deterrent.

Policy Coordination Across Laws

The repeal was tied to three related amendments (Penal Code, Criminal Procedure Code, and Mental Health Act). Synchronising their enforcement takes administrative and legal preparation.

Symbolic Timing

The government deliberately chose World Suicide Prevention Day (10 September 2025) for enforcement. This creates international visibility and positions Malaysia as aligned with global mental health priorities.

So, in short: the delay wasn’t because Parliament was slow, but because the government likely wanted (a) time to prepare systems, and (b) a symbolic launch date with global resonance.

👉 Do you want me to check the exact Hansard or gazette notes to see whether the government explicitly explained the two-year delay?

why TS cat want to suicide? Hooman didn't give enough petting, food?

iGamer approves