JITRA: A 39-year-old man ascended about 25 metres up an electric transmission tower near Kampung Muhibbah and contemplated jumping off the structure in an apparent suicide attempt in Jitra yesterday. — NSTP / PIC COURTESY OF FIRE & RESCUE DEPT
JITRA: A 39-year-old man ascended about 25 metres up an electric transmission tower near Kampung Muhibbah and contemplated jumping off the structure in an apparent suicide attempt in Jitra yesterday. — NSTP / PIC COURTESY OF FIRE & RESCUE DEPT

KUBANG PASU: Police have detained a man who climbed an electric transmission tower in an apparent suicide attempt in Jitra yesterday.

In the incident, the 39-year-old man ascended about 25 metres up an electric transmission tower near Kampung Muhibbah and contemplated jumping off the structure.

Kubang Pasu district police chief Superintendent Rodzi Abu Hassan said police received distress calls regarding the incident at 6.24pm.

"Upon arrival, patrol officers at the location found a man on top of an electric transmission tower, believed to be contemplating on committing suicide.

"Firefighters, the Civil Defence Force (APM), and an ambulance were also at the scene. At 8.45pm, the man was successfully rescued by firefighters," he said in a statement today (May 21).

Rodzi said that the man was brought to the Kubang Pasu district police headquarters for further action.

"He is being held in lockup and will be referred to the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) for a urine test today (May 21)," he added.

Meanwhile, Jitra Fire and Rescue Station chief Mohd Bustan Karudin said the man was brought down safely with the help of an aerial ladder platform.

"In the operation to bring the man down, the electricity supply to the tower was cut off to assist the rescue efforts.

"At first the man was reluctant to be helped down by firefighters but after a lengthy negotiation, he accepted help," he added.