KUALA LUMPUR – The Health Ministry has expressed its readiness to amend legislation related to mental health in an effort to curb misconduct, particularly crimes involving individuals with mental health issues.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad emphasised that any amendments must be carefully scrutinised before any further action is finalised.
“All of this (amendment of existing legislation) requires more careful examination, and we will certainly hold discussions in the KKM (Health Ministry) post-Cabinet meeting.
“We will also consult with the ministry’s legal advisors. It is still too early to discuss amendments to any related legislation.
“However, it is more important to understand each case thoroughly before any further action is finalised,” he stated to the media following the Malaysian International Health (MIH) Megatrends 2024 conference held here today.
He commented on the public’s concerns regarding crimes involving individuals reported to have mental health issues, which may lead to inadequate support for victims and their families, on the grounds that the perpetrator was not of sound mind.
This comes in response to public criticism regarding a recent incident in which three students from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Dungun, Terengganu, lost their lives after being struck by a car driven by a woman.
The driver responsible for the accident was reportedly mentally unstable or suffering from mental health issues.
The opening ceremony of MIH Megatrends 2024, organised in collaboration with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and KPJ Healthcare, was officiated by the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim.
Dzulkefly also did not dismiss the possibility that more individuals diagnosed with mental health issues might use such ‘tickets’ to commit crimes.
“I believe this is a form of degradation, incidents like this may become more frequent, and the misuse of cards (related to mental health) must certainly be examined,” he said. – October 26, 2024