Search ongoing for man who jumped off Penang Bridge

GEORGE TOWN: The Fire and Rescue Department, together with the Batu Uban marine police and Penang Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) are looking for a 48-year-old man who is believed to have jumped off the Penang Bridge here.

Penang MMEA director Capt Abd Razak Mohamed said the man is believed to have jumped off around 10.40pm Thursday (Jan 13) night at KM3.4 of the bridge heading towards Prai.

“We commenced search and rescue operations at midnight and arranged for a KILAT4 boat to scour the location once we received information from the Prai police station.

He said the victim, believed to be from Butterworth, had left his personal belongings and vehicle on the bridge.

“We urge the public who have any information to call our 24-hour MERS 999 hotline or the Penang MMEA operations centre at 04-262 6146.

Those suffering from mental health issues or contemplating suicide can reach out to the Mental Health Psychosocial Support Service (03-2935 9935 or 014-322 3392); Talian Kasih (15999 or 019-261 5999 on WhatsApp); Jakim’s (Department of Islamic Development Malaysia) family, social and community care centre (011-1959 8214 on WhatsApp); and Befrienders Kuala Lumpur (03-7627 2929 or go to befrienders.org.my/centre-in-malaysia for a full list of numbers nationwide and operating hours, or email sam@befrienders.org.my).