SHAH ALAM, Oct 15 — The fatal stabbing of a 16-year-old student at a secondary school in Petaling Jaya yesterday was not premeditated but believed to have been driven by emotional impulses and social media influence, said Selangor police chief Datuk Shazeli Kahar.
In a press conference today, Shazeli said initial investigations revealed the 14-year-old male suspect and the victim had no prior relationship or interaction before the attack.
“Our investigations have found no evidence of bullying. Initial findings also indicate the suspect and victim did not know each other prior to the incident.
“It is believed that emotional impulses and exposure to certain social media content were among factors that led the suspect to act in such a way,” he said.
The suspect, a Form 1 transition student at the same school, has been remanded for seven days pending further investigation.
Based on witness testimonies, both the suspect and the victim had separately asked permission to go to the restroom. The suspect was seen following the victim to the girls’ toilets, where the attack took place.
The victim was found with multiple stab wounds and pronounced dead at the scene.
A post-mortem last night confirmed that the cause of death was multiple stab wounds to the chest and neck. Only one weapon was used in the attack, and the full pathology report is still pending.
Shazeli said the suspect was detained shortly after the incident by a teacher and handed over to police. He was found in possession of the weapon believed to have been used in the stabbing.
“Initial findings show the weapon was purchased online, but we are still verifying the platform used. The suspect has no disciplinary record and tested negative for drugs,” he said.
Police have recorded 57 statements from teachers, students, counsellors, and family members.
CCTV footage is being reviewed and background checks on both students are underway as part of the investigation.
“It is too early for us to comment on the suspect’s state of mind. We will consult experts to better understand his emotional condition,” Shazeli said, adding that preliminary assessments suggest possible emotional instability.
After stabbing the girl, the suspect reportedly left the toilet but remained nearby in a state of panic before he was held by a teacher.
Shazeli said both families are deeply affected by the incident and have appealed for privacy and sensitivity from the public and media.
“We ask everyone to give space to the victim’s family and avoid spreading images or speculation,” he said, adding that both the victim and suspect are minors protected under the law.
Shazeli said police are working with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to stop the circulation of photos related to the case on social media.
