KUALA LUMPUR: Tears and grief filled the halls of Nirvana Centre Kuala Lumpur (NCKL) as family members, classmates, and teachers came together to bid their final farewell to 16-year-old Yap Shing Xuen, whose tragic death has deeply shaken the nation.
Throughout the day, groups of students—many still in their school uniforms—arrived to pay their last respects. They carried bouquets of white flowers, gently placing them near Yap’s portrait in a quiet act of love and remembrance.
Described by teachers and friends as soft-spoken, kind-hearted, and always willing to help others, Yap’s passing left a void that words could not fill. “She was the kind of student every teacher would be proud of—polite, respectful, and always smiling,” said one teacher, struggling to hold back tears.
At about 1pm, a group of teachers gathered at the wake to comfort Yap’s grieving family. One teacher, believed to have taught her Bahasa Melayu, was seen in tears after seeing her student for the final time.
The atmosphere at the wake was filled with sorrow, reflecting not just the pain of personal loss but also the shared grief of a community mourning a bright young life cut short.
Among those paying their respects was Nurul Izzah Anwar, daughter of the Prime Minister, who extended condolences on behalf of her family. She urged Malaysians to honour Yap’s memory by fostering safer environments for all children.
“Today, we honour her life, but we must also protect others. Let us stand together in kindness and avoid harmful speculation,” she said.
At around 12.30pm, officers from Istana Negara delivered a wreath on behalf of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim and Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, expressing royal condolences to Yap’s family.
Following the tragedy, attendance at Yap’s school has reportedly dropped, as parents remain anxious about their children’s safety. School authorities have since provided counselling and pledged to tighten safety measures to ensure such an incident never happens again.
The passing of Yap Shing Xuen has left an indelible mark on many hearts — a reminder of how fragile life can be, and how a single act of kindness, like hers, can touch countless lives. – NSTP/HARI ANGGARA
