GEORGE TOWN: The body of a 34-year-old man who fell from the Penang Bridge on Thursday (Feb 24) night has been found near Pulau Jerejak by fishermen.

       Penang Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) director Capt Abd Razak Mohamed said the victim's body was found in the water near a fish farm at Pulau Jerejak at about 9.45am on Friday (Feb 25).

       "A MMEA patrol boat and boats from other agencies were dispatched to the location after the search and rescue base at Batu Uban marine police base informed us about the discovery," he said in a statement.

       Capt Abd Razak said the body was sanitised by Health Ministry personnel before being taken to the Batu Uban marine police jetty for further action.

       He said the victim's body was later identified by family members at the Sungai Nibong police station before being taken to Penang Hospital for a post-mortem.

       Capt Abd Razak said the victim was believed to have left his motorcycle at KM6.1 of the bridge Prai bound before falling from the bridge.

       He said MMEA through Langkawi Maritime Rescue Subcentre (MRSC) activated the search and rescue effort after receiving a report about an individual who reportedly leapt from the bridge.

       He thanked the Fire and Rescue Services Department and Batu Uban marine police for helping the MMEA in the operation.

       The public may contact the MMEA hotline at 04-262 6146 or MERS 999 to provide information on maritime offences or emergencies.

       Those suffering from problems can reach out to the Mental Health Psychosocial Support Service at 03-2935 9935 or 014-322 3392; Talian Kasih at 15999 or 019-261 5999; Jakim’s (Department of Islamic Development Malaysia) family, social and community care centre at 0111-959 8214; and Befrienders Kuala Lumpur at 03-7627 2929 or go to befrienders.org.my/centre-in-malaysia for a full list of numbers nationwide and operating hours, or email sam@befrienders.org.my.