KLANG: The teenage boy who allegedly stabbed a 16-year-old female student at SMK Bandar Utama 4 in Petaling Jaya is believed to have learning difficulties.
Selangor police chief Comm Datuk Shazeli Kahar dismissed claims that the school had prior knowledge of the suspect having mental health issues.
“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 told reporters after a walkabout along Jalan Tengku Kelana here in conjunction with the upcoming Deepavali celebrations.
When asked about the suspect’s current mental state, Comm Shazeli said the matter must be referred to qualified experts.
“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 said.
Comm Shazeli said the influence of video games and certain social media content were among the elements being investigated in connection with the fatal stabbing.
“Investigators are now focusing on the social media platforms believed to have influenced the actions of the 14-year-old suspect.
“Previously, I mentioned that the suspect was influenced by social media. 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 the suspect’s actions,” he said.
Comm Shazeli said police are examining all angles, including motive and external influences that may have driven the suspect to commit the act.
“The suspect’s act of wearing gloves before the incident is believed to be part of a planned preparation,” he said.
He added that police will continue efforts to obtain complete statements to ensure a conclusive investigation and to assist in submitting recommendations to the deputy public prosecutor.
“Two friends of the suspect have had their statements recorded, bringing the total number of individuals questioned to 59 so far.
“Those recorded include teachers as well as family members of both the suspect and the victim,” he said.
Comm Shazeli also said the pathology report on the case will be completed in about a month.
He said the report requires analysis by pathology experts in view of the comprehensive investigation being carried out.
“The report will be quite detailed and is expected to take at least a month to complete. The police are working closely with pathologists,” he said.
He urged the public and media to allow the police space to finalise the investigation thoroughly.
“Give us time to do our job. If there are any new and significant developments, we will inform the public,” he added.
