A14-year-old male student who stabbed a schoolgirl to death at a secondary school in Bandar Utama, Petaling Jaya was driven by emotional turmoil and online influences.
The attack took place at approximately 9.10am on Tuesday morning in the girls’ toilet at the school premises.
The 16-year-old victim, found bleeding heavily from several stab wounds to the chest and neck was pronounced dead at the scene. The suspect, a Form One remove class student, was detained shortly after by school staff and fellow students.
Selangor Police Chief, Datuk Shazeli Kahar, said the suspect had followed the victim into the toilet and carried out the attack with a 30-centimetre knife.
"The suspect had three weapons, but only one—a 30cm knife—was used in the stabbing that caused the fatal injuries," he said during a press conference at the Selangor Police Contingent Headquarters.
"Many stab wounds were found on the victim’s body. However, for exact details, we are awaiting the full post-mortem report. The confirmed cause of death is stab wounds to the chest and neck," he added.
According to Shazeli, the suspect appeared emotionally stable prior to the incident and had shown no changes in behaviour. "Before the incident, the suspect was behaving normally and did not show any warning signs," he said.
Investigators believe the suspect acted alone and that there was no previous interaction or relationship between the victim and the accused.
"Both students were in different classes and age groups. They are not believed to have interacted," said Shazeli.
He noted that while the suspect may have harboured feelings for the victim, these emotions were never expressed.
"Based on our investigation so far, we believe the suspect had feelings for the victim but did not communicate them. It appears to be a case of repressed emotions," he explained.
In addition to the knife used in the attack, police seized two other sharp objects—a smaller knife and a kerambit, a curved blade often associated with traditional martial arts.
The weapons were reportedly purchased online and had been in the suspect’s possession for some time.
"The suspect had bought the knife and kerambit online. The knife was the weapon used in the incident," said Shazeli.
He added the incident did not stem from bullying or any form of prior confrontation.
The post-mortem was completed at the University of Malaya Medical Centre (PPUM) by 10.30pm on the day of the attack. The victim’s body was claimed by her family the following morning.
Earlier, Petaling Jaya District Police Chief, Assistant Commissioner Shamsudin Mamat, confirmed that the suspect has been remanded for seven days to assist with the ongoing investigation under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder.
The remand order was issued by Magistrate Shahril Anuar Ahmad Mustapha at the Petaling Jaya Magistrates’ Court.
To date, police have recorded statements from 57 individuals, including students, teachers, family members and school counsellors. Investigators are also reviewing closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage and examining the backgrounds of both students involved.
"This case is being investigated thoroughly. We are still working to identify the actual motive behind this horrific act," said Shazeli.
"Initial findings show that the suspect was under emotional stress and influenced by content on social media."
He added that the police would be working closely with the Ministry of Education to increase security measures in schools throughout Selangor.
"To ensure the safety of students and staff, we will step up patrols and monitoring at schools across the state," he said. - October 15, 2025
