The condition leaves the person with a split personality – the normal and deranged mind. How they behave during adverse times varies from person to person.”

often aware of their wrongdoings and were fearful and remorseful.

Sundramoorthy was commenting on queries on a case of a doctor who went amok at a Hindu temple in Ipoh on April 24 and caused extensive damage to religious statues.

“Only a meticulous evaluation by a qualified psychiatrist can determine if he really suffers mental illness. If this truly is the case, then such patients should be monitored constantly by their families as it is unsafe to leave them on their own.

“They are prone to high-risk behaviour and there is no guarantee they will not repeat the act. It will be a life-long effort to keep tabs on them and controlling their condition with medication as there is no cure for psychiatric illness. Undoubtedly, such patients who are exposed to militant ideologies can pose a security risk to the public,” said Sundramoorthy.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar told theSun that police were particularly concerned about militant group sympathisers who suffered mental illness as they were capable of pulling off violent acts as “lone wolves”.

“It is indeed a deadly combination. We have constantly warned that the IS should never be underestimated.

“They can influence their followers to do the unthinkable such as blowing themselves up.”