Malaysian teenager acquitted, will be treated at psychiatric facility
A 15-year-old Malaysian teenager has been acquitted of murdering a female schoolmate after a judge ruled that he was of unsound mind at the time.
After the verdict, the girl’s mother posted on Facebook that she will continue seeking justice for her daughter.
Source: Aapple Wong on Facebook
Malaysian teenager acquitted after doctor says he suffers from schizophrenia
Appearing at the Shah Alam High Court on Monday (14 Sept), the boy, who cannot be named as he is a minor, acknowledged that he had taken a life, his lawyer Kitson Foong told the media.
However, he was acquitted because the defence had successfully established the requirements for the defence of insanity, while the prosecution had failed to rebut it, reported The New Straits Times (NST).
Dr Ian Lloyd Anthony, a forensic psychiatrist at Hospital Bahagia Ulu Kinta, had testified that the boy was suffering from severe schizophrenia, thought he was a god and “heard voices”, the lawyer said.
Source: The Star on Facebook
Teenager to be treated in hospital & released only on Sultan’s orders
At the same time, the court ordered the boy to be held at a psychiatric hospital to receive treatment, counselling and medication.
He will be released only if the Sultan of Selangor receives a report stating that he is no longer a threat to society and can be released.
“Any order for his release will come from the Sultan upon the advice of psychiatric doctors,” Mr Foong said.
Judge reminds teenager to be grateful for second chance
Addressing the boy, the judge reminded him of the gravity of his offence.
She also warned him not to take the court’s liberty for granted and to be grateful for his second chance.
The boy remained composed and listened to the court proceedings, recognising the severity of his actions, Mr Foong said.
He is also showing improvement with medication, the lawyer added.
Teenager had pleaded not guilty to murder over 14 Oct stabbing
The boy had pleaded not guilty to murder after stabbing his 16-year-old schoolmate Yap Shing Xuen to death at a toilet in their high school in Petaling Jaya on 14 Oct 2025.
Source: Google Maps
He was eventually detained, with two sharp objects found.
Source: Oriental Daily
He was charged with murder under Malaysia’s Penal Code, which carries the death penalty or imprisonment and caning.
However, the death penalty cannot be imposed on a child under the age of 18 in Malaysia, so he could have been detained at the pleasure of the King or State Sultan, depending on where the offence was committed.
Girl’s mother says she will continue seeking justice
After the verdict, Yap’s mother Aapple Wong posted a sentimental video on Facebook detailing the story of her and her daughter.
She said she was a single mother and had to shoulder the burden of work and taking care of her two daughters on her own.
Source: Aaaple Wong on Facebook
But 14 Oct 2025 was the “darkest” day of her life, and she “completely collapsed” when she received news of Shing Xuen’s death.
In another post later this afternoon, she apologised to her daughter and said she will continue to seek justice for her.
Ms Wong was reportedly also in court during the hearing but left from a different door to avoid the media.
Also read: 14-year-old boy in M’sia allegedly stabs 16-year-old girl to death after failed confession
14-year-old boy in M’sia allegedly stabs 16-year-old girl to death after failed confession
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Featured image adapted from Oriental Daily and Aapple Wong on Facebook.
