A 14-year-old boy has gone on trial in Malaysia after pleading not guilty to the alleged murder of a 16-year-old female schoolmate in a case that has sparked nationwide concern over the impact of social media on young people.
The victim, Yap Shing Xuen, was found with multiple stab wounds in a school toilet at a secondary school on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur in October 2025.
Under Malaysian law, the accused cannot be identified because he is a minor. If convicted, he faces between 30 and 40 years in prison and could also receive corporal punishment. He is exempt from the death penalty due to his age.
Police have indicated that social media may have influenced the teenager’s actions. Authorities also confirmed that a note was found in his possession at the time of his arrest, although its contents have not been officially disclosed.
The case has triggered widespread debate in Malaysia about children’s exposure to harmful online content, including the so-called “manosphere” and incel culture. Many have drawn comparisons to the Netflix series Adolescence, which explores themes of online radicalisation and youth violence.
In response to growing concerns over online safety, Malaysia introduced new regulations in June 2026 banning children under the age of 16 from holding accounts on major social media platforms.
The trial is ongoing.
