Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) student Nur Fitri Azmeer Nordin, who was convicted of possessing over 30,000 photographs and videos of child pornography, has been referred to a psychiatric unit to evaluate his mental health.

Amid public outcry, the university, in a statement, said its counselling department has referred Nur Fitri to the psychiatric department of Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz.

"Individual counseling is also carried out with the student to understand the issue and allow the student to improve himself in terms of psychological wellbeing.

"For every session carried out, a psychological and mental health report will be sent to the Student Affairs Department and the faculty for observation, as well as to take any necessary steps," said UKM in a statement.

According to the university, aside from internal experts, the observation is also carried out through cooperation with Nur Fitri's family, related agencies and the police.

UKM previously said even though Nur Fitri was convicted of possessing over 30,000 photographs and videos of child pornography, the 27-year-old had served his sentence and deserved a second chance.

The university also said that Nur Fitri was given the opportunity to apply for the PhD programme based on academic qualifications set for admission.