KUCHING: The bravery and quick thinking of security guard Suhanum Sutimin, 28, were recognised and appreciated by the Wisma Saberkas Management Corporation in a ceremony held here on Friday (July 14).
The event aimed to acknowledge her heroic efforts in preventing a suicide attempt by a distressed mother of two on June 6.
During an interview with the media after the ceremony, Suhanum shared that the incident occurred around 6pm while she was conducting her patrols.
“The incident took place on Level 3 of the building. I rushed up and ran as fast as I could. I was accompanied by my colleague at the time. I immediately pulled the woman away from the ledge of the parking lot,” she recounted.
Despite the woman’s resistance, biting, and punching, Suhanum managed to bring her inside the security office to help her calm down.
“It took about an hour to calm and console the victim. I am relieved that she is safe, and I am grateful to have been able to save a life. I haven’t seen the victim since the incident,” she added.
Suhanum’s courage and strong sense of responsibility were commended by security supervisor Rosmah Japar.
“I am incredibly proud of Suhanum for her actions. It is not every day that we encounter situations like these. In the future, I hope that as security guards, we receive training on how to handle such situations,” Rosmah said.
Mental Health Association Sarawak chairman Dr Ismail Drahman stated that the victim’s suicide bid went beyond being a mere “cry for help”, as it was carried out in secrecy.
“Perhaps the victim was mentally unstable due to personal issues she faced, and she may have harboured anger that led to her suicide attempt.
“Signs of suicidal behaviour often involve isolation and depression, with individuals easily becoming irritable over minor situations,” Dr Ismail explained during a press conference following the ceremony.
He also noted that the victim could have been frustrated with her inability to navigate or resolve certain challenges in her life.
In addition to Dr Ismail, Wisma Saberkas Management Committee chairman Law Wee, Wisma Saberkas Management Corporation general manager George Sim, and a representative from Befriender, Suria Ibrahim, were present at the ceremony.
