A Malaysian High Court has sentenced a 19-year-old former student of Kolej Vokasional Lahad Datu to life imprisonment and 12 strokes of the cane after finding him guilty of murdering another student earlier this year.
The case, which shocked the Sabah community, also saw 12 other students — all under the age of 18 — convicted for their involvement. They were sentenced to be detained at the pleasure of the Sabah governor, meaning their imprisonment will continue indefinitely until a pardon or release order is granted.
The ruling was handed down by Tawau High Court Judge Duncan Sikodol on August 28, following a verdict delivered on August 22 that found all 13 accused guilty of murdering their hostel mate, 17-year-old Mohamad Nazmie Aizzat. The crime occurred between 9 p.m. on March 21 and 7:38 a.m. on March 22, 2024, at the school’s dormitory.
Justice Sikodol stated that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt. Medical evidence presented during the trial showed that the victim sustained severe injuries consistent with prolonged physical assault, injuries that were fatal in nature.
During sentencing, Justice Sikodol acknowledged the defense’s argument that the teenagers had not intended to kill but instead meant to “teach a lesson,” suspecting the victim of theft. However, the court rejected this reasoning. The judge emphasized that the assault was not a spontaneous act of provocation but a sustained and repeated attack, which nullified claims of diminished intent.
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“This court cannot accept the defense’s submission that the accused merely wanted to punish the victim,” Justice Sikodol said. “The evidence shows a prolonged assault that directly caused the victim’s death.”
The case has drawn national attention in Malaysia, raising concerns about bullying, violence in schools, and the accountability of minors involved in serious crimes. Under Malaysian law, minors cannot be sentenced to death, but they can be held indefinitely “at the pleasure of the ruler” — in this case, the governor of Sabah.
The 19-year-old, however, was sentenced under adult provisions, receiving life imprisonment and corporal punishment.
