KUALA LUMPUR – Police have recorded statements from 59 individuals in connection with the fatal stabbing of a 16-year-old student at SMK Bandar Utama 4 in Petaling Jaya, said Selangor police chief Datuk Shazeli Kahar.
Speaking to Scoop, Shazeli said those questioned include the suspect’s friends, teachers, and family members of both the suspect and the victim.
“Two friends of the suspect have had their statements recorded, bringing the total number of individuals questioned to 59 so far,” he said.
“Those include teachers and family members of both the suspect and the victim. Police will continue efforts to obtain complete statements to ensure a conclusive investigation before submitting recommendations to the deputy public prosecutor.”
Shazeli said the 14-year-old boy accused of the attack is believed to have learning difficulties, but denied claims that the school had prior knowledge of any mental health issues.
“The suspect had undergone rehabilitation counselling to improve learning methods, not issues related to personality or mental health,” he said. “Therefore, allegations that the school failed to take early action regarding his mental condition are completely inaccurate.”
Asked about the suspect’s current mental state, Shazeli said the matter must be referred to qualified specialists.
“It would be unfair for me to comment on his mental condition as police are not psychiatric experts. Physically, he appears fine at the moment — that is all I can say.”
He said investigators are also examining the possible influence of social media and video games on the suspect’s behaviour.
“Investigators are now focusing on the social media platforms believed to have influenced the 14-year-old suspect,” Shazeli said.
“Social media is a vast space, so give the police room to determine which specific platform truly influenced him. We are also not ruling out the possibility that video games could have contributed to his actions.”
Police are also looking into possible motives and external factors behind the stabbing, he added.
“The suspect’s act of wearing gloves before the incident is believed to be part of a planned preparation.”
Shazeli said the pathology report is expected to take about a month to complete due to its comprehensive nature.
“The report will be quite detailed and requires analysis by pathology experts. Police are working closely with them.”
He urged the public and media to allow the investigation to proceed without speculation.
“Give us time to do our job. If there are any new and significant developments, we will inform the public,” he said. — October 17, 2025