'The grief is overwhelming, it’s hard to put into words': Mum speaks out 3 months after killing of daughter, 16, in M'sia school

Malaysia has ruled that the 15-year-old boy who allegedly stabbed 16-year-old Yap Shing Xuen to death is fit to stand trial.

This follows a three-month psychiatric review prepared by the director of a hospital in Perak.

The report was presented to Magistrate Amira Sariaty Zainal during a case mention on Jan. 16, 2026.

Defence lawyer Kitson Foong told the New Straits Times that "with this finding, the case will proceed in court"

"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."

Boy in correctional centre

The fatal stabbing which occurred at a school in Bandar Utama, Petaling Jaya at around 9:20am to 9:35am on Oct. 14, 2025, was perpetrated by Yap's male Form 2 schoolmate, then 14.

The victim was allegedly stabbed 200 times in a girls' toilet cubicle in the school after she spurned his advances.

Foong added that the court ordered the boy to be held at the Puncak Alam Correctional Centre whilst awaiting trial.

The boy is allowed to leave the facility once a month for counselling and therapy. He also has to maintain his medication and treatment, and continue his monthly dental appointments for his braces.

On Feb. 6, further case management will be conducted for a comprehensive review of investigative evidence, Foong stated to NST.

"At this stage, the documentation is complete for the prosecution's review. The psychiatric report, forensic report and post-mortem findings have all been finalised.

Foong said that a main consideration is the boy's ability to "understand the court proceedings and effectively defend himself when the trial begins".

The Jan. 16 case mention was the boy's second court appearance after he was charged with murder on Oct. 22.

Yap's mother speaks out

On Jan. 14, exactly three months after the stabbing, Yap's mother Wong Lee Ping talked about the overwhelming grief of losing her daughter.

Wong told Malay Mail that “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 stated that the family still needed time to heal, saying that they light incense and speak to Yap daily, offering her favourite snacks and fruits.

“She was a ray of sunshine, cheerful, kind, polite and always smiling.

She brought happiness to everyone around her. Everyone loved her."

She urged parents to spend more time with their children by "truly listening to them", and to support them emotionally.

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Top photo from China Press and Wong's Facebook.