Health Ministry Parliamentary Secretary S Sothinathan said today that the recent surge in the number of violent crimes is not related to the mental health deterioration among Malaysians

It was incorrect to link violent behaviour with mental disorders as most patients did not manifest aggressive character, Bernama quoted him as saying.

"It is very wrong for us to associate violence with mental health. The incidences in relation to mental illnesses are very minimal," he said.

Sothinathan said that when cases are reported in the press, the public tend to relate them to mental health.

Stressing that people with mental problems are not violent, he said the perception must be eradicated from people's mind.

Lack of awareness

Launching a regional mental health congress in Kuala Lumpur on behalf of Health Minister Chua Jui Meng, Sothinathan said that due to society's misconception and lack of awareness about the disease, many mental health sufferers failed to get proper treatment.

"They suffer in silence. Only 10 percent seek treatment because of society's stigma and patients come for treatment at a late stage of their sickness," he said.

Sothinathan also said globalisation is adding to the rise in mental illnesses, especially in developing countries where there are more demand and competition.

"Globalisation imposes lot of stress on children and working people. There is greater competition (now) and entrepreneurs suffer more than anyone else," he said.

If this health predicament was not addressed properly it would have a serious implication on the society, he said.

The ministry's 1996 national health survey disclosed that 10 per cent of Malaysians, aged 16 years and above, suffered psychiatric morbidity. It was more prevalent among females.