25/12/2025

THURSDAY | DEC 25, 2025

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Be wary of ‘love bombing’ in relationships: Academic

referred to a programme that took place seven years ago at a hotel in Seberang Jaya. It said the programme had been officially reported and covered by local media the same year, with news coverage focusing on the celebration and recognition of married couples from various ethnic backgrounds. – Bernama PETALING JAYA: The Health Ministry has reaffirmed that Malaysia will continue administering the hepatitis B vaccine birth dose, despite a recent policy shift in the United States moving away from universal newborn vaccination. It said it has noted developments in the United States, where the Advisory Committee on Immunisation Practices (ACIP) voted earlier this month to discontinue its universal recommendation for the hepatitis B birth dose. However, Malaysia’s policy remains unchanged. The ministry stressed that the birth dose would continue to be provided under the National Immunisation Programme, in line with World Health Organisation recommendations. “The administration of the hepatitis B vaccine birth dose within 24 hours of birth is crucial to prevent transmission of the hepatitis B virus from mother to child. “Hepatitis B infection acquired early in life carries a high risk of becoming chronic, which could lead to liver cirrhosis and liver cancer in adulthood.” It also said Malaysia’s birth-dose policy, in place since 1989, has been highly effective in reducing infection rates among children and contributes to long-term population health protection. It said national immunisation policies are determined based on scientific evidence, local and global epidemiological data and expert opinion. Any policy changes would only be considered if supported by strong evidence and international consensus, it added. “The Health Ministry would like to remind parents and caregivers to ensure their infants receive the birth dose according to the prescribed schedule.” The US decision saw ACIP replace a long-standing universal approach with individualised decision-making for infants born to hepatitis B-negative mothers. The revised recommendation was adopted by the US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention on Dec 16, with infants who do not receive the birth dose advised to start vaccination at a later stage. Hepatitis B vaccine birth dose to continue: Health Ministry Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

o Online perpetrators use manipulative tactic to exert emotional control on vulnerable individuals, creating unhealthy dependence

Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

stay constantly connected through social media, creating unhealthy emotional dependence. “The psychological mechanism behind love bombing is rooted in emotional dependency. “It exploits the human need to be liked, creating a cycle of validation and control that can escalate into emotional manipulation or subtle aggression.” She warned that in Malaysia’s collectivist culture, excessive control can be mistaken for care, as values of obedience, tolerance and harmony may mask manipulative behaviour. Young adults, those new to dating apps, or those with limited experience in healthy romantic relationships, are particularly vulnerable. Societal pressures such as marriage being a marker of personal success, can increase susceptibility, she added. “Although love and belonging are fundamental human needs, external pressures could distort how individuals perceive relationships,” she explained. “This creates an environment in which manipulative affection is more likely to succeed, allowing perpetrators to exploit these vulnerabilities for control.” For those who suspect they are experiencing love bombing, she advised practical steps to safeguard emotional wellbeing. intensity became overwhelming. He would react strongly to small, everyday things, turning them into emotional moments. What initially felt like care slowly crossed into intrusion and control. “After days of excessive affection, he would withdraw completely and act indifferent. “Within the first few days, he had already said ‘I love you’ and expected me to say it back, even in writing. The sudden switch between obsession and silence felt manipulative.” Trish now approaches relationships with caution. “I value calm, steady communication and believe department officer. He said the department has met the owner of the Facebook account who disclosed that there were Muslims involved in the programme, to ensure a fair and comprehensive assessment. Sirajuddin said the department is working closely with state religious authorities and relevant agencies to

PETALING JAYA: In an era of online dating and instant messaging, constant attention can feel flattering, even intoxicating. However, psychologists warn that when affection comes on too fast or intensely, it could signal “love bombing”, which is a manipulative tactic that could quietly turn a relationship toxic. University of Nottingham Malaysia Institute of Work, Organisation and Wellbeing associate professor Dr Siti Khadijah Zainal Badri said love bombing is “an excessive, rapid and intense form of intimate expression, including flattery and constant praise, designed to exert emotional control”. While it may appear as genuine affection, its underlying aim is often to influence or manipulate the recipient emotionally. “Love bombing is particularly difficult to spot in the early stages of a relationship, especially online. “Common warning signs include rapid emotional escalation, pushy communication, boundary violations and attempts to isolate the individual from their everyday life.” Online, this often shows up as obsessive texting or a need to PETALING JAYA: Online dating can feel magical at first, but for some, the rush of attention carries a darker side. “Love bombing” uses excessive affection to manipulate emotions, creating false intimacy and control. Trish, a young woman who experienced love bombing, recounted the intensity of attention. “We met online, and after just one conversation, he became overly affectionate almost immediately. The constant compliments and sweet talk began on day one. “At first, I rationalised it as just his personality, but it quickly felt forced and unnatural. “It felt good. But over time, the

Siti Khadijah said in Malaysia’s collectivist culture, excessive control can be mistaken for care. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN

involved in deviant Interfaith Water Ceremony). He said during a “Loving Couple Festival” at a hotel hall, a church conducted the ceremony, which involved a joint prayer ritual with leaders of other religions. The Penang Islamic Religious Affairs Department later clarified that the content cited in the article One user, Agreeable-Piccolo591, said: “Someone bombarded me with messages, accused me of cheating over small delays and kept me constantly online. It was exhausting and emotionally draining.” Clip012 said: “Once they get what they want, whether it is sex or marriage, the bombing usually stops. “No one can sustain constant intense affection. It is done for a purpose. The key is to set boundaries and stay true to yourself.” Cultural_Passion3522 said: “My ex expected me to respond to his intense affection a certain way. When I did not, he (accused) me of not caring enough.” – By KIRTINEE RAMESH person’s needs at the expense of your own.” She also said understanding love often begins in childhood. “Children learn what love looks like by observing intimacy, warmth, understanding and respect in their family. “These early experiences set the standard for future relationships and help them recognise warning signs of unhealthy dynamics.” She urged parents to model genuine love and responsibility at home, for the wellbeing of the next generation.

ensure the assessment is carried out comprehensively and in accordance with existing laws. “Any party with information is urged to lodge a report with police and state Islamic authorities.” Earlier, the Facebook account owner published an article titled “Muslim Terlibat Dalam Dakyah Sesat Interfaith Water Ceremony” (Muslims emotional intimacy should develop naturally over time. “Later, I discovered he was (interacting with) multiple women simultaneously, confirming that the affection was not genuine. “To anyone experiencing love bombing, enjoy the compliments. But if attention feels rushed or overwhelming, pause and question it. Genuine care does not pressure you, it gives you space.“ Her experience mirrors stories shared on online communities. Reddit users have recounted perpetrators using love bombing to achieve specific goals, from sexual encounters to controlling behaviour. “Open conversation and conflict management are important. “Seek support from trusted family members or friends. Discussing patterns of behaviour can help recognise manipulation and enable individuals to break free from unhealthy dependency.” Siti Khadijah stressed that healthy love should uplift, not drain. “Healthy love expands emotional horizons, nurtures potential and brings out the best in people. “Unhealthy love is psychologically exhausting, manipulative, one-sided and focused on fulfilling the other

Online victims share controlling side of manipulators

Muslim individual to be summoned over suspected involvement in interfaith event

PUTRAJAYA: Development

The

Islamic

Department will summon a Muslim individual suspected of being involved in an “Interfaith Water Ceremony” programme to obtain an explanation regarding his involvement. Its director-general Datuk Dr Sirajuddin Suhaimee confirmed that the individual concerned is not a