KUALA LUMPUR – Police believe the 14-year-old student who allegedly stabbed his schoolmate at SMK Bandar Utama Damansara (4) was heavily influenced by violent content on social media, rather than by gaming or peer pressure.
Petaling Jaya District Police Chief Assistant Commissioner Shamsudin Mamat said initial investigations revealed that the suspect frequently consumed violent videos online, which could have played a major role in shaping his behaviour and mental state.
“Based on what we have gathered so far, the boy was mainly influenced by violent videos and online content,” Shamsudin told Scoop when contacted.
“He did not admit to being an active gamer or playing violent video games, and there was no indication that he was pressured by friends or peers.”
He added that the ongoing psychological assessment would further determine how exposure to online violence affected the suspect’s actions and mindset.
“We are looking at the psychological aspect very closely,” he said.
“These kinds of cases don’t just happen in isolation. What children see and absorb online can affect how they think, react, and perceive reality — especially when violent or desensitising content is involved.”
Shamsudin also advised the public not to speculate or spread unverified information about the case, particularly on social media.
“Please avoid sharing assumptions or false narratives. The investigation is still ongoing, and we must respect the process,” he said.
“Spreading inaccurate claims can disrupt the investigation and cause further distress to the families involved.”
His comments came after Mohd Farid, owner and chief executive officer of the educational toy brand MommyHana, shared a viral Facebook post reflecting on the tragedy.
In his post, Mohd Farid said the suspect’s note, filled with gamer-like terms such as “non-playable character (NPC)”, “zero day”, and “I win”, suggested a detachment from reality and a lack of empathy, possibly influenced by long-term exposure to violent content.
“He wasn’t angry at anyone — he had simply lost his sense of humanity,” Farid wrote.
“When children spend too much time in virtual worlds filled with violence, their minds can start to normalise what they see. The boundary between real and imaginary pain begins to blur.”
Farid urged parents and educators to pay closer attention to what children consume online and to prioritise emotional and moral guidance both at home and in schools.
“Children today are not lacking intelligence,” he added. “But many are losing the ability to distinguish between emotional hurt and mental anguish. That’s why digital supervision must go hand in hand with empathy and real conversation.”
Earlier, Selangor police chief Datuk Shazeli Kahar said a note was discovered during the arrest and initial screening of the suspect.
“The letter was found on the suspect during his arrest, not in the toilet where the murder took place.
“The note is being analysed by the investigating officer,” he said at a press conference at the Selangor Police Contingent Headquarters today.
The letter, which has been circulating on social media, contained the words: “This world is fake. I have already won.”
Shazeli also said 57 statements have been recorded so far from students, teachers, family members, and school counsellors.
He added that investigations are being conducted comprehensively, including reviewing closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage and assessing the backgrounds of both the victim and the suspect.
“Investigations at this stage have found no elements of bullying.
“We urge all parties, including schools and the community, to work together to ensure the safety of students at all times,” he said.
The suspect has been remanded for seven days to facilitate investigations under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder. – October 15, 2025