Anti-hysteria kit: UMP always ready to help - Dr Mahyuddin

But the service would only be rendered to those who approach them for it.

UMP's Islamic Centre and Human Development director, Dr Mahyuddin Ismail, said this was to avoid a clash in differing methods of treatment which could affect a patient's recovery process.

"Our concern is if the patient is being treated by any other practitioner before us. Like seeking medical treatment, only if you don't recover after seeking treatment from a particular doctor that you'd seek other avenues.

"But if the patient specifically wants our help, then of course we'll help," he told Astro AWANI when contacted.

According to Dr Mahyuddin, since the anti-hysteria kit was introduced a year ago, he has had success in solving almost 100 hysteria cases with it.

When it was launched, the kit was priced at RM8,750 which includes training for two on its usage and three refills for items in the kit, among others.

However, for safety reasons, the kit was no longer commercially available, said Dr Mahyuddin, adding that it would only be used when they get calls for help.

The kit contains everyday items such as salt, vinegar, lime, pepper spray, formic acid and also chopsticks – used to "press down" the fingers of hysteria victims.

In Islamic belief, evil spirits were said to not be able to tolerate salty, spicy and sour items.

Last week, a reported total of four schools were hit by mass hysteria cases, starting with SMK Pengkalan Chepa 2 – also the worst case among the four – with more than 50 students and teachers affected.

Subsequently, three other schools – SMK Pengkalan Chepa 1, SMK Kubang Kerian 3 and SMK Kemumin – were also reported to be hit.

In total, more than 100 teachers and students were affected, most of them females.

Following the incidents, several parties had questioned why Dr Mahyuddin did not offer his assistance to the affected schools.