Police believe the 14-year-old suspect in the fatal stabbing of a 16-year-old student at a Bandar Utama school may have been influenced by video games and social media content.
Selangor police chief Datuk Shazeli Kahar told Utusan Malaysia that investigators are identifying which online platforms or games might have shaped the suspect’s behaviour.
“In yesterday’s statement, we mentioned that the suspect was influenced by social media. Social media is vast, so we are giving the police space to determine which platforms truly affected him. Video games could possibly be one of them,” he said.
He added that the suspect’s act of wearing gloves was believed to be part of his preparation for the attack.
The suspect’s calm demeanour after the killing has fuelled discussions online, along with notes allegedly written by him referencing “Zero Day,” a term linked to attacks on “NPCs” (non-playable characters).
Shazeli said the suspect is cooperating with the investigation.
Statements from two more witnesses—friends of the victim—have been recorded, bringing the total number of witnesses to 59.
“Reports, particularly from pathologists, have not yet been received. I estimate it will take about another month before we obtain detailed autopsy results. We will try to expedite this. So, please give the police space to carry out the investigation,” he said.
He denied claims that the school had prior knowledge of any mental health issues involving the suspect.
“The suspect had undergone rehabilitation counselling aimed at improving learning methods, not issues related to personality or mental health. Therefore, the allegation that the school failed to take early action regarding the suspect’s mental condition is completely inaccurate,” he said.
When asked about the suspect’s mental state, Shazeli said the matter should be assessed by qualified professionals.
“I believe it would be unfair for me to comment on his mental condition as the police are not psychiatric specialists. In this situation, we must refer to the appropriate experts. Physically, he appears fine at the moment—that is all I can say,” he added.
Shazeli also said that the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) has assigned School Liaison Officers (PPS) to every primary and secondary school for security purposes.
The incident on 14 October saw the victim die from multiple stab wounds to the chest and neck after being attacked in the girls’ toilet.
The suspect has been remanded for seven days by the Petaling Jaya Magistrates’ Court to assist in investigations under Section 302 of the Penal Code.