Teen Charged With Murder of College Student Found With 61 Stab Wounds in Kelantan

KUALA LUMPUR,May, 2026 — A 19-year-old teenager has been formally charged in court over the murder of a female college student whose body was discovered with 61 stab wounds in Ketereh, Kelantan, in a case that has drawn nationwide attention due to its brutality.

The accused, identified as Muhammad Hazim Muhammad, appeared before the Magistrate’s Court in Kota Bharu on Tuesday morning, where he nodded after the murder charge was read out. However, no plea was recorded because the case falls under the jurisdiction of the High Court.

Authorities charged the teenager under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder, an offence that carries severe punishment, including the death penalty or imprisonment of up to 40 years and caning upon conviction under Malaysian law.

Victim Found With 61 Stab Wounds Near Paddy Field

The victim, identified as Nurfisya Zulkifly, 19, was a college student originally from Kuala Kangsar, Perak, who had reportedly returned to her campus in Kelantan just days before the incident occurred. Her body was found near a roadside area close to paddy fields in Kampung Simah, Ketereh, in the early hours of May 1.

Police investigations revealed that the victim had suffered 61 stab wounds, making the case one of the most disturbing murder investigations reported in Kelantan this year. Initial findings suggested that the victim may have been killed elsewhere before her body was abandoned at the location where it was discovered.

Investigators later confirmed the victim’s identity through fingerprint records after she was initially found without identification documents.

Timeline of the Alleged Murder

According to court documents, the accused allegedly committed the offence between 11.40pm on April 30 and 12.20am on May 1 at Jalan Pengkalan Piah, Ketereh. Police believe the incident may have stemmed from a dispute between the victim and the suspect.

Earlier police investigations suggested jealousy may have been a possible motive, with authorities previously indicating that the suspect allegedly believed the victim was involved in another relationship. Investigators reportedly suspected an argument escalated violently before leading to the fatal stabbing.

Police had earlier arrested several individuals to assist investigations, including another teenager and an older couple believed to be related to one of the suspects. However, authorities later narrowed the investigation focus to the teenage suspects, while some detainees were released on police bail.

Court Proceedings and Next Legal Steps

As the charge involves murder, the case will proceed to the High Court, where formal proceedings are expected to continue after mention dates are set.

Legal observers note that murder charges in Malaysia are among the most serious criminal offences, requiring extensive forensic evidence, witness testimony, and prosecutorial review before trial proceedings begin.

Authorities are expected to continue reviewing forensic findings and witness statements as the prosecution prepares its case.

Public Shock and Calls for Justice

The brutal nature of the killing has sparked widespread public reaction across Malaysia, particularly due to the victim’s young age and the severity of injuries sustained.

Many social media users and members of the public have called for justice for the victim, while urging authorities to ensure a transparent and thorough legal process.

The victim’s college community had earlier expressed grief and condolences, describing the loss as heartbreaking for students and staff.

Police say investigations remain ongoing despite the charge being filed, as authorities continue gathering additional evidence related to the case.

The coming court proceedings are expected to shed further light on the circumstances surrounding one of Kelantan’s most shocking murder cases in recent months