KUALA LUMPUR (7 JULY 2026) – The Children’s Commissioners (CC) of the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) express their deep concern over the recent stabbing incident involving students at a secondary school in Banting, Selangor. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to the child who was injured and wish her a full and speedy recovery. We also acknowledge the emotional distress experienced by the families, school community, and all children affected by this tragic incident.
The CC emphasise that both the victim and the alleged perpetrator are children and are therefore entitled to the protection and safeguards afforded under Malaysian law and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), which Malaysia is a party to since 1995. 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 process.
The CC are particularly alarmed by the widespread circulation of photographs, videos, personal information, and unverified claims relating to the children involved on social media and messaging platforms. Such actions can cause lasting psychological harm, expose children to public stigma, interfere with investigations, and compromise their rehabilitation and future reintegration into society.
The public, media organisations, and all online users are reminded that Section 15 of the Child Act 2001 prohibits the publication or dissemination of any information that may lead to the identification of a child involved in proceedings or matters protected under the Act. This prohibition extends to names, photographs, videos, school details, family information, addresses, or any other particulars capable of revealing the identity of the child. Any person who contravenes subsection this provision commits an offence and shall on conviction be liable to a fine not exceeding ten thousand ringgit or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years or to both.
The CC further urge the public to refrain from speculation regarding the circumstances of the case, including the child’s medical condition, disability, mental health, or alleged motive. Such speculation is irresponsible, risks prejudicing ongoing investigations, and may perpetuate harmful stereotypes and discrimination.
Recent media reports indicate that the suspect’s legal counsel has stated that the child is autistic.
Should this information be confirmed, the OCC stresses that disability must never be used to stigmatise, vilify, or incite hatred against any child. Every child, including children with disabilities, has the right to equal protection before the law, dignity, non-discrimination, and access to appropriate support services.
This incident should also serve as a reminder of the importance of strengthening violence prevention measures in schools through early identification of risk factors, accessible mental health and psychosocial support, effective child protection mechanisms, collaboration between schools, parents, and relevant agencies, and timely interventions that address the needs of vulnerable children before crises occur.
The CC will continue to monitor developments closely and engage with the relevant authorities to ensure that the rights and welfare of all children involved are safeguarded in accordance with the Child Act 2001, the Anti-Bullying Act 2026, the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and other applicable laws.
The Children’s Commissioners call upon every member of the public to act responsibly by refraining from sharing or forwarding any content that identifies or exploits children. Protecting children extends beyond ensuring their physical safety—it also requires safeguarding their privacy, dignity, and future.
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Office of the Children’s Commissioner (OCC)
Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM)
7 July 2026
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MS