KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry is considering legislative amendments to address growing public concerns regarding how the justice system handles cases involving individuals with mental health issues.
Health Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, said that careful consideration is needed before finalising any further actions.
Expressing concern that individuals with mental health conditions might use their condition as an excuse for wrongdoing, he emphasised the importance of addressing such situations promptly.
“These potential amendments require scrutiny, and we will discuss them during the post-Cabinet meeting of the Health Ministry.
“We will also consult the ministry’s legal advisors. It is still too early to discuss specific amendments to any related legislation.
“This issue is undoubtedly serious, and we will take a comprehensive approach, including examining the need for legislative amendments or other measures.
“However, it is crucial to fully understand each case before deciding on any further actions,” he told reporters after launching the Malaysia International Healthcare (MIH) Megatrends 2024 event.
His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, the King of Malaysia, attended the event.
Also present at the press conference was the Health Director-General, Datuk Dr Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan.
Earlier, the MIH Megatrends 2024 event, organised in collaboration with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission and KPJ Healthcare, was officially opened by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim.
Among those in attendance were Tan Sri Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz, Director-General of Public Services; Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil; Deputy Health Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni; and Health Director-General Datuk Dr Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan.
Dr Dzulkefly addressed public concerns over crimes involving individuals accused of having mental health issues, particularly fears that these claims could lead to inadequate justice for victims and their families.
He also did not rule out the possibility that more individuals could attempt to use mental health claims as a ‘ticket’ to commit crimes.
“I believe this is a serious issue, and such incidents may become more frequent. The misuse of mental health claims needs to be scrutinised,” said the Kuala Selangor MP.
Meanwhile, Dr Muhammad Radzi acknowledged that these types of cases are becoming more common.
“There is no justification for using mental health as the sole basis for a case – it shouldn’t work that way.
“We take mental health seriously and have guidelines in place for addressing it. Wrongdoing remains wrongdoing, and while mental health can be a factor, it must be assessed within its proper scope,” he added.
The recent tragic incident involving three Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Dungun students who lost their lives after being knocked down by a female driver has shocked many, sparking widespread concern about the circumstances.
This incident, reportedly involving a driver with alleged mental health issues, highlights a troubling pattern. Similar cases have emerged in the past, not only involving traffic accidents but also extending to other serious crimes, including murder.
