KLANG, Oct 16 — The 14-year-old student accused of fatally stabbing his schoolmate in Petaling Jaya on Tuesday had learning difficulties but no known mental health issues, said Selangor police chief Datuk Shazeli Kahar.
“The school was aware of the problems, but it was not related to this incident.
“(The suspect) had learning difficulties, not personality issues or any intent linked to the incident,” he said at a press conference after a walkabout in Little India here today in conjunction with Deepavali.
Pressed further about the suspect’s mental state, Shazeli said the matter would be evaluated by medical experts.
“I think it is unfair for me to comment on his mental condition because police are not psychiatric experts, so we need to refer to the appropriate specialists. Physically, his current condition seems okay. That is all I can say,” he said.
Shazeli confirmed investigations are ongoing, with 59 witness statements recorded.
He added that other reports, including those from specialists, are pending and will be made public once there are new developments.
On October 14, a Form 4 girl was allegedly stabbed to death by a 14-year-old boy from the same school.
In the 9.30am incident, the boy is believed to have attacked the victim in the girls’ toilets, where she was found with multiple stab wounds. The boy was subsequently arrested by police.
Shazeli said preliminary investigations indicate the suspect may have been influenced by social media, and added that police are still identifying the platform involved.
On the post-mortem result, Shazeli confirmed the girl’s cause of death was due to stab wounds on the neck and body, but said a full report may take at least a month.
“We will work with the Health Ministry (MOH), especially pathologists, to expedite the process,” he said.
He added police are working closely with schools and education authorities to strengthen school security.
Asked about the possible involvement of the Bukit Aman’s Sexual, Women, and Child Investigation Division (D11), Shazeli said the team would be deployed if needed.
