SHAH ALAM - The disappearance and subsequent death of 15-year-old Yap Xin Yuan have captured national attention shedding light on a series of tragic and disturbing events.
This article provides a detailed chronology of the case and the ongoing investigation.
Dec 19, 2024: Yap Reported Missing
Yap was reported missing after she left for a lion dance practice at Batu 11, Cheras. Her parents filed a police report after she failed to return home. Kajang district police chief Assistant Commissioner Naazron Abdul Yusof confirmed receiving the report at 2.15am on Dec 20, 2024. Yap was last seen wearing a red lion dance costume near a basketball court in Cheras.
Dec 30, 2024: Decomposed Body Discovered in Banting
A severely decomposed body was found in a river at RTB Sungai Changgang, Banting, Selangor. Selangor Police Chief Datuk Hussein Omar Khan revealed that a DNA test would be conducted to confirm the identity. Initial physical evidence, including braces and clothing, matched Yap’s description. CCTV footage from Dec 19, 2024, revealed Yap arriving at her boyfriend’s house in an e-hailing car.
Her boyfriend initially claimed she left his house at 5pm after an argument, but CCTV footage contradicted his statement. Yap’s phone had been unreachable since her disappearance.
Dec 31, 2024: Arrests and Confessions
Three suspects were arrested in connection with the case: Yap's 16-year-old boyfriend, his 20-year-old brother and their 51-year-old father. Reports from local Chinese-language dailies stated that the boyfriend confessed to disposing of Yap’s body with his family's help.
He allegedly claimed that both he and Yap had consumed drinks laced with drugs, leading to her overdose. Panicking, he and his family reportedly dumped her body in a secluded crocodile habitat.
Jan 2, 2025: DNA Confirms Identity of the Body
DNA testing confirmed that the body was indeed Yap’s. "A post-mortem has been conducted at Banting Hospital. The three suspects have been remanded until Jan 5, but we expect to extend their remand further as the investigation continues," Hussein said.
Jan 3, 2025: Father’s Grief During Final Rites
Yap’s father, Yap Eng You claimed his daughter’s body from the Banting Hospital morgue and brought it to the Cheras crematorium for her final rites. He expressed deep sorrow, stating that it was difficult to accept her passing, especially after seeing her disfigured remains.
Ongoing Investigation: Drug Overdose and Motive Explored
Hussein said that the investigation is exploring multiple possibilities, including a potential misunderstanding between Yap and her boyfriend, as well as drug use.
"Toxicology reports are still pending. Until then, we cannot confirm whether the cause of death was an overdose or something else," he clarified.
The Location: Crocodile Habitat Raises Concerns
Yap’s body was discovered at a garbage trap in Kampung Rancangan Tanah Belia, an area known for crocodile sightings. Residents shared that it is not uncommon to find bodies in the area.
"What shocked us the most was that the body found last Saturday was said to be connected to the missing teenage girl,” a local resident told a local daily.
The case has triggered widespread public outcry, with many demanding justice for Yap. The three suspects remain in custody, with their remand potentially extended as authorities continue their investigation.
The case has been classified under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder.