Judge revises RM3,000 fine to good behavior bond for man who attempted suicide

File photo of a man’s silhouette and a rope by the window. Photo: Freedom Studio
File photo of a man’s silhouette and a rope by the window. Photo: Freedom Studio

A man who attempted suicide had his sentencing downgraded yesterday.

The rare court decision by Judicial Commissioner Aslam Zainuddin yesterday saw him revising the RM3,000 (US$700) fine on Shahfirul Hakim Shahidan, 28, to a good behavior bond. This allows the latter to walk free and seek mental health treatment provided that he does not commit other crimes while under the bond period, which lasts one year. 

At the Kuala Lumpur High Court, Shahfirul said that he suffered from “severe depression” and “would go without eating for three days.”

“My family lives separately from me. I live on my own. I was doing work at a religious school,” he said. 

The judge then told him to seek help for his depression. It was not clear why the judge made the decision to revise the sentencing, which happened after Shahfirul filed an appeal for leniency. 

Attempting suicide is illegal in Malaysia under Section 309 of the Penal code, which covers attempts to take one’s life. 

Shahriful was sentenced last Tuesday and would have to spend three months in jail in lieu of the fine. 

If you are thinking about suicide or self-harm, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Support is available 24/7 at the Befrienders hotline. Dial 03-76272929 or email sam@befrienders.org.my.

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