On Wednesday (Feb 25), 13-year-old Chen Meixin (transliteration) died after she plunged down from an apartment in Penang while still dressed in her school sports uniform.
Her grieving parents are now looking for answers as they struggle to come to terms with her passing.
Suffered from foot condition
Speaking to China Press at the wake, Chen’s stepfather Wu Hongming (transliteration) said he found it hard to believe that his daughter had taken her own life.
“She had a foot condition and would start complaining of fatigue after walking for 10 minutes. Thus, I don’t believe that she would walk such a long distance to the apartment, let alone climb the stairs up to the 12th floor.
“Even if she was suicidal, she wouldn’t walk for half an hour to the apartment. There has to be a reason for her being there.”
Rejected possibility of suicide
Wu was also adamant that Chen didn’t take her own life, saying she was a cheerful person and showed no signs of unhappiness when she spent time with the family at a shopping mall during Chinese New Year.
“Before Chinese New Year, she spoke to me about her future plans, including traveling to Kuala Lumpur. We also discussed on how to decorate her room after she moved back from her aunt’s home.
“If she truly committed suicide, I really cannot understand why,” he said.
Brought victim’s favourite items
At the wake, Wu placed a sports car model, a cup of coffee, and sushi in front of Chen’s coffin as they were her favourites.
Wu revealed that Chen had wanted the sports car model for a long time but he never had the chance to gift it to her due to financial constraints.
This sports car model was something she really loved. I never expected it to become a gift I’d never be able to give.
“I had promised Chen that as long as she studied hard and behaved well, I’d give her a gift every month.
“I’m not a wealthy person, but no matter how hard things were, I would always find a way to make her happy. And my daughter was very understanding as she knew I wasn’t well to do,” he added.
No red flags detected
Meanwhile, Chen’s aunt said on the morning of the incident, her son woke Chen up for school, adding the teen appeared completely normal and showed no signs of distress before leaving the house.
She added that since Chen moved in temporarily, she never heard her express unhappiness or mention facing any problems.
“I always advised her on how to relieve stress if she felt pressured. If she had academic troubles, she could ask her older cousins for help.
“Chen also loved sports and I often encouraged my sons to take her out for a jog as exercise could help relieve stress and instill positive thinking in her,” she said.
If you or anyone is experiencing depression and needs a listening ear, please call the following helplines:
Befrienders KL
Contact: 03-76272929
Operating hours: 24/7
Befrienders Penang
Contact: 04-2910 100
Operating hours: 3pm- 12am daily
SNEHAM Malaysia
Contact: 1800 225757
Operating hours: 4 pm-8 pm daily
LifeLine Malaysia
Counselling Helpline: 03-4265 7995
Monday To Friday 9.30am – 10.30 pm, Saturday 2.30 pm – 5.30 pm
Late-Night Helpline: 011-5779 5803, 011-5779 5813
Friday & Saturday 10.30pm – 1.30am
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