KUCHING: Malaysia’s legal and educational systems must evolve to treat violence not only as a crime but as a psychological and societal failure.
In stating this, forensic psychologist, Dr Benfadzil Mohd Salleh, said the matter can be addressed through understanding, empathy, and timely intervention.
“The incidents in Melaka and Bandar Utama are not isolated tragedies. There are symptoms of a deeper emotional crisis among youth.
“I believe the solution lies not only in law enforcement but also in nurturing psychological resilience, emotional literacy, and societal accountability.
“Only through these can we restore safety, compassion, and conscience to our schools and communities,” he told Sarawak Tribune.
Benfadzil was asked to comment on recent cases – gang rape of a 15-year-old student at a secondary school in Alor Gajah, Melaka and the fatal stabbing of a 16-year-old female student at a school in Bandar Utama, Petaling Jaya – and what can be done to prevent such incidents from recurring.
In these cases, he further said such violent behaviour is rarely spontaneous but rather the result of accumulated psychological, social, and environmental factors.
“Offenders in cases of rape or stabbing often share underlying psychological similarities – notably, a lack of empathy, poor impulse control, and a distorted sense of dominance or revenge,” Benfadzil said.
“In forensic profiling, many violent youths exhibit traits of conduct disorder or emerging antisocial personality tendencies, often rooted in early exposure to violence, neglect, or emotional invalidation.”
Benfadzil further explained that psychological triggers often include feelings of humiliation, rejection, jealousy, or perceived injustice.
“The alleged rape case in Melaka, for example, may reflect peer group conformity and dominance rituals – acts done not only for sexual gratification but also to assert power and belonging,” he added.
“Meanwhile, the alleged Bandar Utama stabbing reflects impulsive rage and emotional dysregulation, typical of adolescents lacking emotional maturity and coping skills.
“Forensic psychologists evaluate such offenders using impulse control assessments and aggression scales, which often reveal deep emotional instability masked by bravado or apathy.”
He further said in Malaysia, Under Section 84 of the Penal Code, allows for the defense of unsound mind if the offender cannot understand the nature of the act.
“However, forensic assessments go beyond mere diagnosis. Psychologists examine whether the individual’s mental state – depression, psychosis, or trauma – significantly impaired judgment or control at the time of the crime.
“Juvenile offenders are usually assessed under the Child Act 2001, emphasising rehabilitation over punishment,” he added.
“Still, forensic experts must determine intent, comprehension, and premeditation, which influence sentencing and treatment outcomes.”
On winning signs families and schools can detect early, Benfadzil urged families and schools to watch for early signs such as mood swings, withdrawal, cruelty to animals, fascination with weapons, or obsession with violent media.
“In cases of sexual aggression, indicators may include inappropriate sexual talk, boundary violations, or desensitisation to explicit content,” he added.
“Parents and educators must treat these not as ‘teenage phases’ but as potential indicators of emotional disturbance. Early counselling, mentorship, and emotional education programs can interrupt these destructive trajectories.”
Benfadzil also warned that digital exposure has desensitised many young people, normalising aggression and sexual dominance.
“Peer validation through social media and substance use, such as alcohol or synthetic drugs, further weakens their judgment and self-control.”
Between 2020 and 2024, he said, forensic data in Malaysia showed a notable rise in juvenile violent crimes, particularly those linked to group assaults and online provocation.
“The underlying causes are moral disconnection, lack of parental supervision, and psychological neglect.”
To address these issues, Benfadzil called for early screening in schools, forensic-based counselling using cognitive-behavioural therapy, parenting workshops focused on empathy and digital discipline, and rehabilitation programmes that emphasise psychological healing over punishment.
