Dr Andrew Mohanraj, president of the Malaysian Mental Health Association, acknowledged that being diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder may not automatically absolve an individual from wrongdoing.

However, he said, “ultimately, justice must be tempered with mercy”.

“If she does suffer from mental illness, the court may direct her to receive appropriate psychiatric care while awaiting a definitive decision (on any criminal case brought against her),” he told FMT.

He said even if she is found to be fit for trial and convicted, the court can direct that she serve her sentence at a psychiatric facility.

Last week, police arrested a 31-year-old woman suspected of having mental health issues near Jalan Austin Heights Utama in Johor Bahru after videos allegedly showing her pretending to be a ghost and scaring motorists went viral on social media.

Johor Bahru Selatan police chief Raub Selamat said the woman would attempt to kick vehicles and fake injury to claim compensation.

According to Sinar Harian, the woman was admitted twice to the Sultan Ismail Hospital’s yellow zone for accidents and depression.

Raub said police have referred the woman to the same hospital for further mental health evaluation.

Relate Mental Health Malaysia president Dr Chua Sook Ning said any criminal action taken against the woman should take into account a medical expert’s assessment of her mental health.

“If her behaviour is better explained by mental illness, immediate psychiatric assistance would be beneficial to her,” she said, adding that sending her to jail without psychiatric support could worsen her condition.

Chua said the case also highlighted how homeless people are often found to be struggling with behavioural health issues.

“There is a need for accessible and effective community-based mental health services and support for those suffering from mental illness, even for the homeless,” she said.