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SEXUAL acts involving animals are immoral, criminal and symptomatic of deeper psychological dysfunction, a senior psychologist has cautioned following the arrest of a foreign national in Shah Alam.
Siti Fatimah Abdul Ghani, Senior Psychology Officer at Universiti Putra Malaysia, said such behaviour falls under the category of paraphilia – abnormal and harmful sexual interests.
She explained that several psychological and environmental factors may contribute to this inclination.
“This may occur due to difficulties controlling impulses, childhood sexual trauma, inappropriate early exposure, abuse, or social problems with other people," she said.
“There are individuals who grow up in toxic environments or without affection and later seek control or power through deviant behaviour.
“Offenders may also suffer from untreated psychological issues such as depression, personality disorders, substance misuse, addiction or low social intelligence. It does not occur suddenly; there is typically an existing psychological pattern.”
Siti Fatimah added that loss of control over fantasy is among the triggers.
“Some individuals begin with extreme pornographic material and escalate to more dangerous acts because the brain continually seeks stronger stimulation,” she said.
She was commenting on the case of a 33-year-old Nepalese man detained after he was allegedly caught committing sexual acts with a cat in a Kota Kemuning apartment last Friday. A married couple had reportedly arrived home to find the suspect naked and assaulting the animal.
Siti Fatimah described such acts as exploitation and abuse, stressing that animals cannot consent and do not understand what is happening.
“In addition to being cruel and punishable under Malaysian law, such behaviour poses serious health risks,” she said.
“Acts of this nature can lead to harmful bacterial and parasitic infections, severe injuries and life-threatening complications.”
She emphasised that such conduct is never normal and requires professional intervention. - November 17, 2025