CYBERJAYA, SELANGOR
A murder case involving a 20-year-old university student has rocked Malaysia, triggering nationwide demands for justice and tighter safety measures for students.
Maniishapriet Kaur Akhara, a physiotherapy student from the University of Cyberjaya, was found dead in her condominium unit in Sepang on Tuesday around 10 a.m. She had suffered blunt force trauma to the head, police confirmed.
Maniishapriet, who hailed from Kuching, Sarawak, had remained alone in her hostel at Mutiara Ville while her five housemates went home for the holidays. She stayed back to prepare for an upcoming exam.
Three Suspects Arrested
Three suspects, aged 19 and 20, were arrested between Thursday morning and early Friday. Police obtained a seven-day remand order until July 3 from the Sepang Sessions Court.
Sepang police chief Norhizam Bahaman said the victim and suspects knew each other. Shortly after the murder, a male suspect reportedly used Maniishapriet’s debit card for multiple ATM withdrawals. Her laptop, mobile phone, and cash were also missing.
Police emphasized there were no signs of forced entry into her room and found no evidence of sexual assault, dismissing rumours circulating online.
Public and Political Outcry
The murder has prompted intense scrutiny of student safety at private universities. The hashtag #justiceformaniisha trended online as public figures called for swift action.
Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh described Maniishapriet’s death as a heartbreaking loss of a young woman with a promising future.
Deputy Housing Minister Aiman Athirah Sabu urged a transparent and urgent investigation, while MIC women’s leader N Saraswati demanded stronger safety measures for students.
Women, Family and Community Development Minister Nancy Shukri attended Maniishapriet’s funeral, pledging her support for justice.
Democratic Action Party MP Kelvin Yii called on the Higher Education Ministry to review and reinforce safety protocols at student accommodations nationwide.
Students Voice Safety Fears
Students residing at Mutiara Ville told the media they felt unsafe and criticized the building’s lax security. Many learned of the murder only through social media.
“It’s not safe to walk alone here, especially for women. People can come and go,” a student told the New Straits Times.
Another added, “Security here is poor. They don’t properly check who comes and goes.”
University Responds
The University of Cyberjaya issued a statement pledging to tighten security measures both on campus and in residential facilities.
“The safety of our students, their families, and the surrounding community remains our utmost priority,” the university said.
Authorities continue their investigation while the nation mourns the loss of a bright young student whose life was cut tragically short.
