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THE government will intensify community-level mental health support services following the deaths of five members of the same family in Kuantan, a tragedy believed to be linked to emotional distress.
The Minister of Women, Family and Community Development, Nancy Shukri, said the Social Support Centres would be further strengthened to assist individuals grappling with psychological pressure, amid growing concern over cases involving the killing of family members.
Expressing sorrow over Tuesday’s incident in Kuantan, Pahang, she described the tragedy as deeply distressing and noted that at least six cases involving the killing of close relatives have been recorded between January and today.
“It is indeed deeply saddening each time a case involves the murder of a mother, wife, child or husband.
“The Kuantan case is still under further police investigation, but we have been informed that emotional distress due to unemployment may have been the cause of the incident.
“Following the many cases that have occurred as a result of mental disturbance, it has now become an urgent necessity for us to expand counselling services more widely through the Social Support Centres (PSSS).
“We will intensify the promotion of PSSS so that it becomes a channel for those experiencing mental distress to convey information, while also raising public awareness to be more attentive to the condition of neighbours and those around them,” she said.
She was speaking to reporters after attending the Ihya Ramadan 2026/1447H programme at Masjid Darul Hana Petra Jaya last night.
Nancy said that between October 2021 and December 2025, a total of 156,033 client cases had been handled and resolved through the Social Support Centres, with the majority involving individuals suffering from emotional distress.
“Our sensitivity towards those facing emotional distress — whether by offering advice or reporting the matter so that professionals, including counsellors, can provide assistance — is crucial,” she added.
On Tuesday, media reported that five family members were found dead at a housing area in Cherating Damai, Kuantan, at about 7am. The victims comprised two children aged three and four, their parents aged 32 and 28, and their 55-year-old grandmother. - February 18, 2026
