Sharing Banting stabbing children’s identities could land you in jail, warns Suhakam

KUALA LUMPUR, July 7 — Malaysia’s human rights commission has warned that sharing photographs, videos or other identifying information about the children involved in the recent Banting school stabbing could be a criminal offence.

In a statement today, the Office of the Children’s Commissioner of the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) urged the public to stop circulating content that could harm both the victim and the alleged attacker.

It said both children were entitled to legal protections under the Child Act 2001 and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, regardless of the ongoing police investigation.

Suhakam said it was “deeply concerned” by the widespread circulation of photographs, videos, personal information and unverified claims 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,” it said.

The stabbing occurred at about 9.30am yesterday while the victim was at the school’s canteen.

Police said the suspect, a 15-year-old student at the same school, allegedly entered through the main entrance before stabbing the victim multiple times.

The victim was rushed to Banting Hospital, while the suspect was arrested shortly afterwards.

Kuala Langat police chief Superintendent Mohd Akmalrizal Radzi said the teenager has been remanded for four days until Friday to assist investigations under Section 307 of the Penal Code for attempted murder.

Suhakam reminded the public, media organisations and online users that Section 15 of the Child Act prohibits publishing information that could identify a child involved in protected proceedings or matters, including names, photographs, videos, school details and family information. Offenders face a fine of up to RM10,000, up to five years’ imprisonment, or both.

It also urged the public not to speculate about the child’s medical condition, disability, mental health or alleged motive, warning that doing so could prejudice investigations and perpetuate harmful stereotypes.

Referring to media reports that the suspect’s lawyer had said the child was autistic, it added that, if confirmed, “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,” the statement said.

Suhakam said the incident should reinforce the need for stronger violence prevention in schools, including earlier intervention, better mental health and psychosocial support, effective child protection mechanisms, and closer collaboration between schools, parents and relevant agencies.

The commission urged the public not to share or forward content identifying children, saying protecting them “extends beyond ensuring their physical safety — it also requires safeguarding their privacy, dignity, and future.”