PETALING JAYA, Aug 1 — The Malay Mail investigative journalist Haresh Deol last night foiled a suicide bid by an ex-croupier of a casino, now a waiter in a fast-food outlet.
The 32-year-old man caused a stir when he threatened to jump off the 15th floor of the Millennium Square Condominium in Section 14 here. Haresh relates the drama:
“About 30 minutes before the incident, the man had sent me a text message which read: “I’m at da Milenium Apartments on da 15th floor. I suggest if you want some thing good 4 your story. Dat you come here. I hope you be da first 2 collect my phone. Don’t bother calling. Bcoz when you come n collect my phone. Pls look into my recordings. By then, I’m oredi dead. Nice meeting you.”
I had met him exactly a week ago to discuss a problem he had with his previous employer. The nature of his complaint was vague and I told him I required additional information.
Yesterday, while at work, I received the SMS from the man and quickly replied: “What is this about? I’m in a meeting in the office,” thinking it was a prank.
He then answered: “You’re about to witness a suicide. I really hope you come here 1st before da police do. Bcoz I just need 2pass you something then you’ll know da truth. I suggest you be here in less than 20mins. I’m diving.”
I immediately contacted the police emergency number as listed on the official Royal Malaysian Police website but the officer who answered my call told me to go to the nearest police station in Petaling Jaya instead.
I was told to show the officer-in-charge the SMS and request for policemen to accompany me to the apartment.
I was in disbelief and alerted PJ police chief ACP Arjunadi Mohamed who assured me he will look into the matter. Accompanied by photographer Firdaus Latif, I quickly drove to the scene.
There was heavy police presence and a fire and rescue vehicle at Millennium Square. Curious onlookers, armed with their phones, feared the worst as the man sat on the ledge.
When I reached the 15th floor, the man recognised me. He shouted my name and asked the other police officers to leave as he only wanted to talk to me.
He said he did not know what to do. He spoke about his work, his marriage and his other fears. He said if he did not jump off the ledge, he would be beaten up and may end up dead by the end of the week.
We spoke for about an hour but it felt like forever. With a pen and paper, I pretended to write what he related to me — just to buy time. I tried to calm him down, hoping he would ditch his plan to jump.
Slowly but surely, I approached him but upon realising this, he warned me not to come closer.
I backed off briefly, before discussing the “secrets” he wanted to share. As I built up my courage, I told myself it was now or never.
I quickly leapt on him, grabbing his Bayern Munich jersey with my right hand while holding his right leg with my left.
As I dragged him back in from the ledge, several policemen and firefighters came to my aid. They pinned him down as he started to yell and swear at me.
He screamed that he had trusted me but I let him down. In my mind, it was all about saving his life.
Clearly, he has a problem. He came to me for help. I went to help him. Now I hope someone will see him through his troubles.”
