Victim’s Mum Speaks Out As Accused Teen Cleared For Trial 3 Months After BU School Stabbing

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A 15-year-old student accused of murdering his senior female schoolmate at SMK Bandar Utama Damansara (4) in October last year has been found fit to stand trial following a three-month psychiatric assessment

Defence lawyer Kitson Foong said the psychiatric report, prepared by Hospital Bahagia Ulu Kinta director Dr Ian Lloyd Anthony, was presented to Magistrate Amira Sariaty Zainal during a case mention today, 16 January.

"The psychiatric expert concluded that the accused is capable and fit to plead, stand trial and conduct his defence. That is the most important consideration in the court process.

"With this finding, the case will proceed in court," he was quoted as saying by the New Straits Times.

Foong added that the court ordered the boy to be placed at the Puncak Alam Correctional Centre, while allowing him to leave once a month for counselling and therapy.

The court also directed that his current medication and treatment continue, and that he attend monthly dental appointments for his braces.

The case management has been fixed for 6 February to allow the prosecution to conduct a full review of the latest evidence in the investigation papers

Deputy public prosecutor Raja Zaizul Faridah Raja Zaharudin and Aqharia Durranie Aziz appeared for the prosecution.

Proceedings were conducted in the presence of the boy, who was brought to court from Hospital Bahagia in Perak. As the accused is a juvenile, proceedings were closed to the media, and no photographs or videos were allowed.

The teenager is accused of stabbing 16-year-old Yap Shing Xuen in the girls' toilet of SMK Bandar Utama Damansara (4) between 9.20am and 9.35am on 14 October.

No plea was recorded, as murder cases fall under the jurisdiction of the High Court.

He has been charged under Section 302 of the Penal Code, which carries up to 40 years' imprisonment and 12 strokes of the cane if the death penalty is not imposed upon conviction.

The court had earlier ordered a psychiatric evaluation under Section 342 of the Criminal Procedure Code, granting extensions to allow completion of the report.

Meanwhile, three months after the murder, the victim's mother says her family is still learning how to cope with the absence left behind

Yap's mother, Wong Lee Ping, spoke about the emptiness her family still feels and the slow process of adjusting to life without her.

"These past three months have been the most painful time in our lives. The grief is overwhelming; it's hard to put into words. Without her voice and laughter, our home feels so empty," Wong was quoted as saying by Malay Mail.

She said the family still tries to maintain routines and spend time together, but her daughter's absence is always felt.

"We still try to have family time on weekends, but her absence is always felt. Special days like birthdays or the Winter Solstice, which used to be warm and joyful, now only bring sorrow and longing. We still need time to heal," she said.

According to the mother, the family finds comfort in recalling Yap's smile, watching old family videos, and through the constant support of friends, family and even strangers.

Wong described her daughter as cheerful, kind, polite and thoughtful.

She loved sports such as volleyball, badminton and swimming, enjoyed singing, decorating her room, spending time with younger cousins, and often made handmade gifts for family members.

Wong hopes her daughter's story will prompt greater awareness about children's safety and emotional well-being.

She also urged parents to pay attention to their children's emotional needs, saying: "Spend more time with your children by truly listening to them, not just about their studies, but how they feel inside. Emotional support is just as important as academic support, if not more."

She also called for a review of how serious crimes committed by minors are handled, emphasising that age should not shield anyone from accountability for severe offences.

"Every child deserves a happy and safe childhood," Wong said.