KUALA LUMPUR — Yap Shing Xuen, the 16-year-old Form Three student tragically killed in a stabbing incident at her school, was laid to rest today.
Hundreds of mourners, including family, friends, and classmates, gathered to pay their respects, releasing 100 blue and white balloons—her favourite colours—as a final tribute.
Earlier in the day, nearly a hundred people assembled at the Nirvana Memorial Centre to honour the teenager.
At 9am, the ceremony began with Yap’s family and close friends present as the 16-year-old lay in repose. The eulogy was delivered in Mandarin by the emcee, with Yap’s mother, Wong Lee Ping, visibly overcome with emotion, Malay Mail Online reported.
Following the eulogy, mourners performed the three-bow ceremony, a traditional gesture of respect for the deceased.
Outside, a line of wreaths from various well-wishers adorned the hallway, while media members gathered to witness the service.
The funeral concluded at 10.30am, with Yap’s casket being transported to a hearse at 11.20am.
The balloons were released, symbolising her freedom and final journey. Her funeral cortege then departed for the Nirvana Crematorium in Shah Alam for cremation.
A poignant video montage celebrating Yap’s life was shown during the ceremony, evoking tears from those who knew her as a bright, cheerful, and kind soul.
Yap’s elder sister led the final prayers, and a heartfelt speech she had written was read aloud by the master of ceremonies.
“Younger sister, you have always been a joy and a light to all our lives. Goodbye, Shing Xuen. We will always remember you for the kind person you were, and we will remember you with a smile rather than sadness,” the speech said.
Yap’s mother, Wong, was visibly distraught, as friends and family offered their condolences. The prayers concluded at 10.30am, after which Yap’s casket was taken to the hearse for its final journey.
Yap was found dead in a school toilet on October 14. Two edged weapons believed to have been used in the attack were recovered at the scene. Police have detained a 14-year-old student in connection with the incident. The pathology report following the post-mortem examination is expected to be completed within a month.
Wong, speaking to the press at her daughter’s wake on Thursday, claimed that Yap had suffered around 200 stab wounds. She also urged the public not to spread false information or rumours surrounding the case, expressing her family’s devastation and requesting privacy during their time of mourning. – October 20, 2025