About 500 people attended 16-year-old M'sia school stabbing victim's funeral to pay last respects

A final farewell was held in Kuala Lumpur on Oct. 20 for Yap Shing Xuen, the 16-year-old Malaysian girl who was allegedly stabbed to death in a Selangor school.

About 500 people, including friends, family and teachers, were in attendance to pay their last respects at Nirvana Memorial Centre.

One hundred balloons in the late teen's favourite colours were also set afloat in her honour, reported Malay Mail.

Blue and white balloons released as a tribute

Attendees observed a casket sealing and last rites ceremony in the ceremonial hall at 9:45am.

The deceased girl's mother, Wong Lee Ping, was seen in tears while the eulogy was being delivered in Mandarin.

The funeral service concluded at 10:30am, and Yap's casket was then taken to the hearse at 11:20am.

Her elder sister, who led the funeral prayers, was seen placing a hand on Yap's hearse.

Loved ones shared a final walk with Yap as they said their farewells.

The balloons were then let go as a tribute to her.

The funeral procession then left the site for the cremation ceremony at the Nirvana Crematorium in Shah Alam.

Family "touched" and "humbled" by support

According to New Straits Times, Wong expressed the family's gratitude to those who extended their support and condolences.

"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," she said in a written statement released after the funeral, as quoted by NST.

She also thanked Malaysia king Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, and Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia, as well as members of parliament, school representatives, teachers, students, relatives, and friends for their support:

"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."

Top photos via China Press/Facebook & Oriental Daily News Malaysia/Facebook