A Malaysian court has acquitted a teenage boy charged with the murder of a female classmate, ruling that he was mentally unfit at the time of the crime.
The 14-year-old perpetrator fatally stabbed Yap Shing Xuen, a 16-year-old student, in a school bathroom on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur. The incident triggered widespread shock and prompted discussions about social media’s impact on youth.
Initially, police speculated that social media may have played a role in the attack. This case accelerated government efforts to restrict minors’ access to online platforms, initiatives launched earlier this year.
Under Malaysian law, the boy’s identity remains protected due to his age. Though he admitted to the act, his defense team argued his long-term mental health issues justified an insanity acquittal.
Experts testified that the boy had battled schizophrenia since age nine, with symptoms intensifying during the pandemic and after returning to school. His legal representatives stated he will require lifelong medication.
The judge ordered his detention in a psychiatric facility for treatment, releasing him only after yearly assessments determine his fitness for society. During the verdict hearing, the boy reportedly showed emotional neutrality but understood the proceedings’ gravity, according to his lawyer.
All trial proceedings occurred in a closed court, barring public and media attendance to protect the minor’s privacy.
