You are not allowed to commit suicide

A man who could not settle his huge debts after betting on football matches tried to take his own life by jumping off the Penang Bridge.

Fortunately, the 36-year-old man was fished out from the sea by marine police within five minutes after his plunge yesterday.

The man from Bukit Mertajam was said to be suffering from depression as he could not settle his debts which had reached RM30,000 after nine years of gambling.

It is learnt that members of the public who saw the man standing at the edge of the bridge called the police at 6.15pm.

A patrol craft was deployed to the location within seconds after the distress call was received.