Cause of criminal behaviour can be determined by probing past records, triggers linked to events: Educator

PETALING JAYA: Tragedies involving violence are often followed by society pointing fingers at mental illness, but experts say this is a perilous mistake that fuels stigma, misjudges victims and overlooks the real triggers behind such acts.

University of Nottingham Malaysia Applied Psychology and Wellbeing associate professor Dr Siti Khadijah Zainal Badri said violent crime must be assessed through a comprehensive evaluation of multiple risk factors, which may or may not involve mental health issues.

“Given the complexity of violent crime and human behaviour, an accurate cause can only be determined by professionals through a detailed investigation of past records and the triggers linked to the events.”

She explained that violent behaviour can arise from a mix of factors, including past exposure to violence, childhood abuse, substance misuse, financial stress, certain personality disorders, weak social support or situational triggers.

Siti Khadijah emphasised that mental health conditions, which affect mood and behaviour and may lead to withdrawal or sadness, are not synonymous with violence.

She said most individuals living with such conditions are rarely harmful to others and primarily need support and understanding.

“Most people with mental health conditions struggle to manage negative emotions and thoughts, often leading to withdrawal, low self-esteem, sadness or disrupted daily life, but they are rarely harmful and mainly need support, understanding and empathy to cope and thrive.

“Violence is when one uses physical force or power or any act intended to harm others. The key difference here is the intention to harm others, which is not common for those with mental health conditions.”

She also said individuals with depression or anxiety are more likely to harm themselves through self-harm or suicidal thoughts as they often feel overwhelmed, worthless and consumed by negative thinking.

She said in Malaysia, many individuals struggle emotionally without seeking professional help, particularly those with low incomes and limited access to mental healthcare services.

“This is one of the pain points that I believe is the focus of the Madani government in broadening service and financial resources (insurance), and public access to psychological professionals to improve our social support system.

“A more accessible psychological support network and service is urgently needed, given the predictions of more intense economic and social challenges society will face in the future.”

Siti Khadijah called for the expansion of psychological services across public and professional sectors, including workplaces, highlighting that listening and supporting people through intense experiences is challenging but essential.

She said psychological professionals make significant, often invisible contributions to building a resilient, empowered community.

“Mental health is a complex field requiring trained professionals to understand and evaluate human behaviour and thoughts.”

Pahang Social Welfare, Women, Family and Community Development Committee chairman Datuk Sabariah Saidan was reported as saying the murder of a family of five at Taman Cerating Damai on Feb 17 could be linked to mental health issues.

According to state police, the suspect is believed to have killed his wife, two children and mother using a knife before taking his own life beside the bodies of his wife and children in a bedroom.

The suspect, previously employed as a lorry driver in Klang, Selangor, had returned to Kuantan and started working as a security guard earlier this month.

Siti Khadijah urged the public to avoid self-diagnosis and uninformed judgement, stressing the need to respect those affected by tragedies.

“I would like to call for a more respectful and self-aware community that is cognisant of the boundaries in making judgement or sharing opinions for complex cases with little or no professional knowledge.

“Pause and think whether we have the expertise to make judgement before throwing an opinion so that we do not intentionally harm others while expressing our view.”

 The Sun Malaysia