What are 'barcode injuries'?
Dr Janefer Voo, one of the doctors who treated Form 1 student Zara Qairina, recently told the court that the medical team’s priority was ensuring the girl’s survival and that she did not notice any “barcode injuries” on her body.
DR Janefer Voo, one of the doctors who treated Form 1 student Zara Qairina Mahathir, recently told the court that the medical team’s priority was ensuring the girl’s survival and that she did not notice any “barcode injuries” on her body.
She made the remark when questioned by lawyer Datuk Ram Singh, who is representing a juvenile charged with bullying the deceased.
The exchange has raised a wider question: what exactly are barcode injuries?
Defining barcode injuries
“Barcode injuries” refer to a specific pattern of self-inflicted wounds, typically parallel cuts or scratches that resemble a product barcode.
These markings often appear on visible areas like the wrists, arms or thighs and are commonly associated with self-harm among adolescents and young adults.
Who is affected?
Most patients presenting with these distinctive injuries tend to be teenagers or those in their early twenties and these wounds are frequently linked to non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), a coping mechanism rather than an attempt to end their life.
Why do people engage in barcode self-harm?
Experts suggest multiple contributing factors, including:
- Mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety or PTSD.
- Emotional distress such as feelings of isolation, intense sadness or anger.
- Misguided belief in relief where some believe that harming themselves, even in this patterned manner, provides emotional release.
Some adolescents mistakenly view the barcode cutting pattern as a form of therapeutic release, even a form of crisis coping, without understanding the risks or implications.
The risks and repercussions
Although self-harm like this may not always be intended to cause death, the consequences can be serious:
- Physical dangers: excessive bleeding, infection, deep tissue injury.
- Psychological risks: the behaviour can escalate, increasing risk of suicidal ideation or attempts.
- It may also become a habitual, compulsive coping strategy, making recovery harder.
What can be done?
Early intervention and support are critical:
- Psychological help such as counselling, cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) or dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT).
- Supportive environments such as schools and families play a key role. The Education Ministry has implemented measures like psychological profiling in schools to detect early warning signs.
- Encouraging alternatives such as helping youths express their emotions through healthy outlets such as journaling, talking with trusted loved ones, or creative expression.
If you or someone you know is showing signs of self-harm or emotional distress, please seek help immediately. Support is available through services such as Befrienders (www.befrienders.org.my) or Talian Kasih (15999).
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