Heartbreaking crimes call for deeper understanding and mental health support
AS we approach the end of 2023, with just a few days remaining before stepping into the new year of 2024, numerous poignant stories have unfolded throughout the year, leaving a profound impact on many individuals.
One of the noteworthy incidents is the case of a senior police officer charged under Section 302 of the Penal Code for allegedly killing a Form Five student in a collision on Dec 15.
This ongoing story has sparked widespread discussions, with many deeming it to be particularly heart-wrenching.
While the case awaits its conclusion, the fact that the police officer is facing charges in court has brought some measure of satisfaction to the aggrieved party.
Instances involving uniformed members of an organisation, especially those in law enforcement, have repercussions that extend to the entire security force.
As the saying goes, one bad apple can spoil the whole barrel.
Such incidents often involve individuals driven by personal desires and emotions, where unchecked anger leads to tragic consequences.
Another distressing case involves three siblings apprehended for killing their sister's partner and burying the body in the bushes at Sungai Choh, Rawang, on Dec 24.
The misunderstanding escalated to a fatal altercation, resulting in the deceased being beaten with a stick, a glass bottle, and an iron barrel before being buried behind the house.
In another incident where, a 21-year-old girl was brutally murdered, with her abdomen cut open to remove a four-month-old fetus, and her body burned twice by her male companion.
The suspect's motive was to conceal the pregnancy, stemming from a secret relationship with the victim.
Crime analyst Shahul Hamid Abdul Rahim suggests that brutal murderers often have dual personalities, including a 'secret' identity as ruthless killers.
Shahul mentioned that there are several influencing factors driving someone to act beyond reason, including life pressures, grudges, financial problems, substance abuse, alcohol, and jealousy.
A case involving a former soldier suspected his wife of infidelity, leading him to stab her in the left chest with a knife on Jalan Padang Nyu, Perlis, on Sept 30.
The suspect's post-murder behavior, seemingly unaffected and normal, is indicative of psychopathy, where there is little or no guilt.
Senior Counselling Programme Lecturer at Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM), Dr Rezki Perdani Sawai, highlighted that psychopathic tendencies are a factor that inclines individuals to perform irrational actions.
From a psychological perspective, individuals who commit such heinous crimes often lack empathy and struggle with failed emotional control.
Family problems are identified as significant contributing factors that drive people to exceed their limits.
As we reflect on the history of heinous crimes this year, their sheer number and cruelty defy comprehension through reason alone.
Consequently, if you find yourself experiencing serious mental pressure and quick temperaments, it is advisable to consider seeking counseling, as appearances can be deceiving, and it's crucial to address such issues proactively.
Syairah Abd Lajis is the assistant head of the social media division.
