Passers-by save a woman in Penang
Mental wellness is a topic on the minds of Malaysians of late, due to the pandemic and uncertainties that many are facing during these unprecedented times. A reminder for us to reach out to our loved ones and neighbours comes again as a woman was saved by two strangers, who found her trying to jump off the Penang Bridge.
The passers-by managed to comfort her and get her back to safety, away from the ledge. They stayed by her side for 15 minutes before the authorities and officers arrived.
Managed to calm her down
It was during the afternoon on 9th March 2022, when two media photographers from The Sun Daily and The Star rode a motorcycle along Penang Bridge and found the woman in a state of distress. They are Masry Che Ani and his friend Ahmad Zhafaran Nasib.
Image adapted from: Google Maps
According to a report by Harian Metro, they were heading from Perai to George Town when they spotted a woman dangerously clambering up the rails along the bridge. Fearing for her safety, they stopped their vehicle quickly and rushed toward her.
Image adapted from: myMetro
Masry shared that the woman, presumably in her thirties, was found sitting on the barricade at the emergency stop on KM 3.4. She was sobbing uncontrollably and looking as if she was ready to jump off the bridge, and take her own life.
The photographers had to carefully approach her and convince her to get down from the edge. While they were comforting her, they managed to pull her back safely onto the road without causing additional panic to the grieving woman.
Image adapted from: BERNAMA
The men stayed by the woman’s side for about 15 minutes before the authorities and PLUS officers they had contacted arrived. In a moving photo published by Bernama, one of the photographers was seen crouching to comfort the woman.
“It seemed like she was facing some family issues. We talked to her for another 40 minutes before leaving her to the authorities,” Ahmad Zhafaran told KOSMO in an interview.
He mentioned that it was his first time being in a situation like that. He also asked for everyone else to think of their loved ones during tough times.
The importance to reach out for help
Mental illnesses affects more people than we’d like to believe. Though the subject is often trivialised, Malaysia and its citizens have come a long way in challenging the stigma surrounding mental health issues.
We’re extremely relieved that the woman is safe, and applaud Masry Che Ani and Ahmad Zhafaran Nasib for lending a listening ear – as sometimes, this is all it takes to save a life.
If you are struggling alone, please do not hesitate to reach out to these mental health and counselling services in Malaysia.
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Cover image adapted from: Google Maps and BERNAMA