CRIMINOLOGISTS have challenged the claim that those who commit murders are mentally disturbed, making them dysfunctional and prone to violence.
Associate Professor Dr Geshina Ayu Mat Saat from the School of Health Sciences at Universiti Sains Malaysia stated that it is a myth to suggest that murderers are mentally ill.
Geshina, who is also a psychologist in the Forensic Science Programme, said that murderers are sane, contrary to how they are often portrayed in films.
"Watching violent films or having a mental illness are only minor factors among those that contribute to murderous actions. Not everyone who watches violent films becomes a murderer, and not all murderers watch violent films. It certainly does not explain the violent actions of people who do not watch films or dramas. There have been cases of child murderers, murders by the elderly, and expressive murders – those due to intense emotions like jealousy and anger, rather than violence," she said.
Geshina explained that her research team found evidence showing that expressive murders are more common than instrumental murders (those that are premeditated) in Malaysia.
"My team has interacted with incarcerated murderers, and researchers worldwide have found this to be true as well," she said. "Research on insane or temporarily insane murderers in various parts of the world, including England and Wales, Australia, the USA, and Canada, has found that these individuals make up only 2%-6% of all murderers," she added.
Geshina was responding to a statement by the Malaysian Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF), which recently suggested that uncensored violence shown on television or in films may be one of the factors contributing to heinous crimes. MCPF noted that violent scenes can be easily accessed by many due to the numerous streaming platforms available online.
Some have also blamed the widespread exposure to online violence, particularly in gaming, as well as mental health issues.
There have been several gruesome murders reported in the country since the shocking murder of an autistic boy, Zayn Rayyan Abdul Matiin, in December last year. One of the most shocking recent cases was the murder of teacher Istiqomah Ahmad Rozi, whose decapitated body was found in a rubbish bin near a drain in Kampung Rimau, Johor. In July, the nation was further shocked by the murder of Nur Farah Kartini Abdullah, a 25-year-old graduate from Sultan Idris Education University, who was allegedly killed by a police officer. Days after Istiqomah's body was discovered, another heinous murder took place in Pagoh, Johor, where a family of three died in a murder-cum-arson.
Review Current Laws
When asked what the government could do to reduce the incidence of murders, Geshina said the definition of murder set out in Section 300 of Act 574 needs to be reviewed.
"The government has already set the harshest possible punishment, and even then, some oppose the death penalty. After years of deliberation, the government amended relevant laws to allow for other options. Yet, murders still occur. This means there is a need to investigate the psychosocial and criminogenic factors underlying the perpetrator’s intentions and deliberate actions," she said.
Geshina emphasised the need for more research to develop a comprehensive, localised database and periodic possible pathway projections. "Even then, such profiles and pathway projections reflect probabilities, not certainties, so that early and remedial actions can be taken as proactive crime prevention—reducing, obstructing, and curbing factors that enable murders to occur in the first place."
Another expert, Tengku Siti Aisha Tengku Mohd Azzman Shariffadeen of International Islamic University Malaysia, said that while those who consume a lot of violent content are more likely to engage in aggressive behaviours, this is just one small part of a very complex problem.
"Communication and media researchers often theorise that the media shapes reality. Those who consume a lot of violent content, for example, in online gaming and horror shows, may be more likely to engage in aggressive behaviours," Tengku Siti said. "However, problematic media use is just a small part of a very complex problem. Mental illness still carries a stigma for many people in Malaysia, so those with such conditions may not be getting the help they need."
"Stressful life conditions, such as the rising cost of living and financial issues, may lead people to engage in behaviours they might not otherwise consider."
It All Starts at Home
Aisha emphasised the importance of parents teaching their children that violence and bullying are not appropriate ways to solve problems. She also suggested that the government and civil groups should help victims of domestic violence escape toxic relationships.
"Be vigilant and help each other out. If you notice or suspect someone is being bullied or abused, report it to the authorities. That may prevent the abuser from escalating to murder."
Geshina echoed Aisha's sentiments, stating that every member of society has a role to play and is responsible for their actions. She stressed that parents and guardians have crucial roles in shaping children, as they are the first teachers and role models.
"Adults are responsible for the actions of children under their care. Formal and informal education about religiosity (actualising religious belief), moral behaviour, and positive social values are more important for present and future harmonious social living than focusing solely on academic success. Poor, negligent, and abusive parenting has led many children astray, who later do the same or worse to their own children, creating a vicious cycle of violence," she added. – August 27, 2024.
