Malaysian boy on trial for allegedly murdering girl in school
The high-profile case has shocked Malaysia and sparked debate about the effect of social media on children.
A teenager in Malaysia has been charged with murdering another teenage girl at their school, sparking discussions about the influence of social media on youth. The 16-year-old victim, Yap Shing Xuen, was found stabbed multiple times in a school toilet in October. The accused, 14 years old at the time, has denied the charges. If found guilty, he could face up to forty years in prison and flogging under Malaysian law.
Police have suggested social media may have played a role, and a note found on the accused has fueled this speculation. The minor cannot be named under Malaysian law, but the case has ignited a national debate on the dangers of social media, especially exposure to the manosphere and incel culture. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim acknowledged the case, attributing many school violence incidents to mobile phone and social media use, and vowed to impose stricter measures.
Malaysia has since banned children under 16 from having accounts on major social media platforms as part of these protective measures.
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