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The mother of 16-year-old Yap Shing Xuen, who was fatally stabbed at a school in Bandar Utama, has expressed heartfelt gratitude for the love and support Malaysians have shown in the wake of her daughter's death
In a Facebook post on Monday, 20 October, Yap's mother, Aaple Wong Lee Ping, wrote, "In this time of unimaginable sorrow, our hearts are filled with both grief and gratitude.
"We are truly touched and humbled by the outpouring of love, support, and presence from all of you during this painful period. Your care has been a light in our darkest days."
Yap was laid to rest on Monday, cremated at the Nirvana Crematorium in Shah Alam, Selangor following five days of prayers and tribute ceremonies.
The 16-year-old was found dead in a school restroom on 14 October, believed to have been stabbed by a 14-year-old schoolmate.
The tragedy has sparked nationwide grief, with the King and Queen of Malaysia among those extending their condolences
His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim and Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah sent a flower wreath to the late teen's family at the Nirvana Centre Kuala Lumpur on Friday, 17 October.
Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh also paid tribute by placing a Team MAS jersey at the teen's resting place, noting that Yap loved to play volleyball and led an active lifestyle
"I told her mom, Lee Ping, that I wanted Shing Xuen to have our national jersey, and she said her daughter would have loved it," Yeoh said.
Yeoh also vowed to continue her efforts to combat "incel culture" among youths, saying, "In the days to come, I will do whatever I can to fight the incel culture among the young."
In her post, Wong extended her appreciation to everyone — the King and Queen, ministers, members of parliament, Nirvana's management and staff, school staff, students, friends, and relatives — who came to honour her daughter's memory
"We would like to express our deepest thanks and heartfelt appreciation to every caring soul who stood by us, offered comforting words, and honoured the memory of our precious daughter.
"If we've missed anyone by name, please know that your kindness has not gone unnoticed. Every gesture, big or small, will forever be remembered by our family. Your support gave us strength, your presence brought comfort, and your prayers helped us carry on," she wrote.
Meanwhile, the remand order for the 14-year-old suspect has been extended for another seven days, until 28 October, to assist police investigations under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder
According to Bernama, Petaling Jaya district police chief ACP Shamsudin Mamat said the investigation papers will be referred to the Deputy Public Prosecutor tomorrow, 22 October, for further instructions.
He added that police have recorded statements from 148 individuals to assist in the ongoing probe.
