A 52-year-old man, believed to be struggling after a recent cancer diagnosis, is suspected to have jumped off the Second Penang Bridge on Christmas Eve (Dec 24).
Left message before going missing
According to China Press, the man from Simpang Ampat reportedly sent a message to his family saying he intended to “jump off the bridge.”
His family immediately began searching for him and contacted community patrol units for help.
Car found at 18.4km mark
Later that night around 11.00 pm, members of the public found his Perodua Alza parked along the 18.4km point of the Penang Second Bridge, heading towards Batu Kawan.
Authorities were notified and dispatched to the scene.
Personal items left behind
At the scene, police discovered a pair of glasses and slippers left near the edge of the bridge.
His identity card was also found in the car, but the man was nowhere to be seen.
Search efforts began
The Chinese daily reported that the Penang Fire and Rescue Department received the emergency call at 10.30 pm.
A command centre was set up under the bridge and search teams began monitoring the surrounding sea area.
According to the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, high waves and low visibility made it difficult to continue the search. The operation was suspended for the night and resumed at 8.00 am on 25 December.
Seven firefighters from the Bayan Baru station and one fire truck were deployed.
The rescue operation is ongoing and being carried out in coordination with police and maritime authorities.
If you or anyone is experiencing depression and needs a listening ear, please call the following helplines:
Befrienders KL
Contact: 03-76272929
Operating hours: 24/7
Befrienders Penang
Contact: 04-2910 100
Operating hours: 3pm- 12am daily
SNEHAM Malaysia
Contact: 1800 225757
Operating hours: 4 pm-8 pm daily
LifeLine Malaysia
Counselling Helpline: 03-4265 7995
Monday To Friday 9.30am – 10.30 pm, Saturday 2.30 pm – 5.30 pm
Late-Night Helpline: 011-5779 5803, 011-5779 5813
Friday & Saturday 10.30pm – 1.30am
READ ALSO:
