Mental Health and the Healing Power of Pets

 

The recent incident at the Perak National Day parade, where a woman with a history of psychiatric treatment ambushed Sultan Nazrin Shah, has reignited public discourse on mental health in Malaysia. 

        Authorities confirmed she was referred to Hospital Bahagia Ulu Kinta under the Mental Health Act 2001 for psychiatric observation. Such cases underscore the urgent need for accessible, preventive mental health support.

Disturbing Patterns in Mental Health

        Recent incidents—such as individuals running amok, attacking police stations single-handedly, or cruelly hanging animals to die—reveal disturbing behavioural patterns that may point to underlying mental health conditions. 

        In one case, a police corporal in Felda Bukit Kuantan was slashed with a machete by a man later referred for psychiatric evaluation. In another, a mentally ill son attacked his elderly father in Kuala Perlis. These acts are not isolated; they reflect a broader societal concern.

        Animal cruelty is widely recognised as a precursor to violence against humans. As highlighted by the Penang Institute, individuals who abuse animals often exhibit psychological disturbances, including heightened aggression and diminished empathy.  

        The Malaysian Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities further notes that such acts are rarely impulsive—they stem from entrenched emotional and social dysfunctions. 

        Increasingly, we are also seeing that both mental illness and political toxicity are not isolated phenomena—they interact, reinforce, and ripple through society. Addressing one without the other risks treating symptoms while ignoring root causes. This is why the government must take seriously the toxic polemics proliferating across online platforms.

        In a BFM podcast back in 2020, the interview which focuses on how political turmoil impacts our mental health, we learnt that political turmoil in a country gives rise to a number of mental health challenges among the public – heightened anxiety, irritability, insomnia, and even symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 

        Many perpetrators carry deep-seated trauma, frequently rooted in physical or emotional abuse during their formative years. Without timely intervention, these unresolved wounds can manifest in destructive behaviours, escalating from cruelty towards animals to wife battery and child abuses. As the adage warns, “If one can harm an animal, one can harm a human.”

        In this context, I fully support the government’s recent initiative to address the sexual and physical abuses linked to Global Ikhwan Services & Business Holdings Sdn Bhd (GISBH). The scale of harm uncovered—over 600 victims rescued and more than 400 arrests made —is deeply troubling. If the psychological scars borne by these survivors are left untreated, they risk perpetuating cycles of trauma and posing further risks to society.

        Healing must be prioritised. If the government aspires to build a Madani (civilised) society, a robust, trauma-informed response is essential not only for justice, but for safeguarding the future of these individuals and the communities around them. Addressing these patterns requires more than punitive measures—it demands compassionate, community-based mental health support and proactive intervention through education to break the cycle of violence before it escalates.

        In the past 68 years of nationhood, meaningful social support for the rakyat has remained largely absent. It is time the Madani government recognises this longstanding gap— and acts with urgency to address the problem. It may be necessary for health clinics to include psychologists and professionally-trained counsellors to provide the support that is needed.

Animal Companionship

        Another promising avenue is pet companionship. Scientific studies have consistently shown that interactions with animals can alleviate psychological distress. 

        A 2024 study published in Emotion found that petting one’s own dog significantly reduced anxiety and boosted positive affect compared to other stress-relief methods.  Similarly, research by Brooks et al. (2018) highlighted that pets offer non-judgmental emotional support, reducing feelings of isolation and improving overall well-being. 

        In Malaysia, awareness of animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is growing. “Animals possess a sensitivity to our emotional state and provide unconditional love,” says Dr Suriya Kumari Ramiah, a veterinarian quoted in the New Straits Times. She advocates for broader adoption of AAT across age groups and therapeutic settings.

        As mental health challenges rise, integrating pet therapy into community care could offer Malaysians a gentle, effective buffer against emotional strain—one paw at a time.

        In my efforts to bridge the gap between passionate animal advocates and local councils, I have come to understand the challenges both parties face—particularly the growing number of strays in shelters and pounds. 

        It may be time for both government and private institutions to take the lead in establishing pet corners within their compounds, offering safe spaces that promote responsible ownership, education, and community engagement. Read on this blogpost.

   
Also read: Musing over the suggestion made by some animal lovers in Ipoh