KUALA LUMPUR: A man has reportedly been publicly humiliated and taunted by his former girlfriend on social media for three years.
According to BuletinTV3, the man, identified as Khalid, said he has endured daily threats, insults, and accusations on social media by his ex-girlfriend, affecting not only him but also those close to him.
He said that her actions have not resolved the issues between them but instead have made their private matters public.
"I feel trapped with no way out. I haven't reported it to the authorities because I don't want the issue to escalate further. If it goes to court, people will find out the shame I've been trying to hide.
"It's better for me to stay silent and keep it to myself, even though I am almost losing my mind from the stress of holding everything in," he said.
Malaysian Cyber Consumer Association (MCCA) president, Mohamad Sirajuddin Jalil, said that some social media users in Malaysia have normalised the act of humiliating others online, with many not even aware that it is an offence.
"It has reached a stage where everyone is doing it, making it seem acceptable, and the situation is becoming more critical," said Sirajuddin.
Associate Prof Dr Muhammad Muhsin Ahmad Zahari from the Department of Psychological Medicine at Universiti Malaya added that such actions can also have an indirect impact on the public through 'secondary trauma' as people are exposed to these behaviours daily.
He warned that over time, constant exposure to such content could lead to a decline in public happiness and contribute to mental illnesses and other health issues.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs), Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar, reminded the public not to misuse social media, including by humiliating others or exposing their own personal issues.
"Using social media to expose one's disgrace to gain followers is not something taught in religion; it is prohibited," Na'im said.