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A 24-year-old male student in Segamat District, Johor attempted suicide on Apr. 17, 2023 by setting himself on fire at a petrol station.
Doused himself with petrol
Segamat district police said in a news release that they were alerted to the incident at around 8pm on Apr. 17.
Police were informed that the student had doused his entire body in petrol and lit himself with a lighter at a petrol station in Jalan Ibrahim, Segamat.
The owner of the petrol station saved the student by putting out the fire with a fire extinguisher.
A video of the incident, which have been circulating online, showed the fire being extinguished.
The aftermath of the incident at the petrol station. Image via Polis Daerah Segamat on FB.
Subsequent suicide attempt
After the fire was extinguished, police said the student subsequently ran away and sat in the middle of the road in another suicide attempt.
A lorry driver managed to stop his vehicle in time to avoid running into the man.
However, a car behind lost control and hit the back of the lorry, causing an accident.
According to the police, the student was eventually conveyed to Segamat Hospital via an ambulance to receive treatment for his injuries.
Failed his law exams for the third time
A doctor confirmed that around 70 per cent of the student's body were covered in burns.
He is currently still in hospital to receive further treatment.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the student tried to commit suicide after he failed his Bachelor of Law exams for the third time.
"[The student] was ashamed to face his family and this led him to attempt suicide," police said.
Investigations into the actual cause of the incident are still ongoing.
The police have also initiated an investigation under Section 309 of Malaysia's Penal Code.
Under this Section of the law, whoever attempts to commit suicide can be jailed for up to a year, fined, or both.
Helplines:
If you or someone you know are in mental distress, here are some hotlines you can call to seek help, advice, or just a listening ear:
SOS 24-hour Hotline: 1-767
Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-283-7019
Institute of Mental Health: 6389-2222 (24 hours)
Tinkle Friend: 1800-274-4788 (for primary school-aged children)
Top image screenshots via Polis Daerah Segamat.