PETALING JAYA: The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) has urged the public and media not to speculate about the medical condition, mental health or motives of the alleged teenage perpetrator involved in the stabbing at a secondary school in Banting, Selangor.
Citing media reports quoting the suspect’s lawyer as saying the child is autistic, Suhakam’s office of the children’s commissioner (OCC) said such speculation risks prejudicing the ongoing investigation and could perpetuate harmful stereotypes.
“Should this information be confirmed, the OCC stresses that disability must never be used to stigmatise, vilify or incite hatred against any child,” it said in a statement today.
“Every child, including children with disabilities, has the right to equal protection before the law, dignity, non-discrimination and access to appropriate support services.”
The OCC also expressed concern over the circulation of photos, videos and unverified claims about the children on social media, saying such material could cause lasting psychological harm and undermine their rehabilitation and reintegration.
It reminded the public that Section 15 of the Child Act 2001 prohibits the publication of any information that could identify a child protected under the Act, including names, photographs, videos, school details and addresses. Offenders face a fine of up to RM10,000, a jail term of up to five years, or both.
The OCC stressed that both the victim and the suspect are children and are entitled to the protection provided under Malaysian law and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
“While the incident is currently under police investigation, it is imperative that the rights, dignity, and best interests of every child involved are fully respected throughout the legal processes,” it said.
The OCC also called for stronger school-based prevention measures, including earlier identification of risk factors and better access to mental health and psychosocial support.
It said it would continue engaging the relevant authorities to ensure the rights and welfare of all children involved are protected under the Child Act 2001, the Anti-Bullying Act 2026 and other applicable laws.
The Form Three victim in the stabbing incident reportedly suffered an injury to her lungs and 16 stab wounds. She is reportedly in stable condition.
The suspect has been arrested and remanded for four days to assist in investigations under Section 307 of the Penal Code for attempted murder.
