IPOH, May 3 — The math whizkid busted by British police for child pornography should be given a psychosocial assessment to determine the cause of his obsession so that he can be treated, said a psychiatrist.

Tan Sri Dr M. Mahadevan, who is the founder of the Malaysian Psychiatric Association, said with the assessment, Nur Fitri could be treated and rehabilitated.

“We should not judge the patient. As such we need to study him, whether he is an introvert or extrovert, to understand his obsession,” he said.

“Nur Fitri is young and studies have proven that men can be reconditioned and rehabilitated before the age of 25. This can be done through psychosocial rehabilitation but not if you lock him up in prison.”

Meanwhile, residents of Malim Nawar reacted with shock to the news that a student hailing from the town was a paedophile.

A villager, who wished only to be known as Mat, said he knew the man’s family and could not believe what he heard.

“It is truly sad to think that such a thing could have happened. You would never have guessed that anyone would be involved in a sex scandal. I honestly don’t know what to say,” said Mat, who was visibly taken aback.

Another neighbour, who was met after holding a wedding party, said he had not seen the family in the area since Friday night.

Attempts to get comments from Nur Fitri’s family proved futile, as neighbours claimed the student’s parents were not at home.

Villagers then directed Malay Mail to the house of the student’s relative but the man who answered the door declined to comment.

“I am very sorry, the only people who should comment are the parents (of Nur Fitri). I don’t want to say anything. In fact, I shouldn’t even have opened the front gate for you. I am sorry,” said the man.