A 20-year-old Chinese student, Li Bowen, took her life in Malaysia after being manipulated by a scam syndicate posing as Chinese authorities.
The incident occurred on March 22, merely five days after her arrival in the country for her studies.
Reports revealed that Li was contacted by individuals claiming to be “China police,” accusing her of being a key suspect in a criminal case involving murder.
Under intense psychological manipulation, she was told to pay RMB 258,000 (approximately RM156,753) to prove her innocence.
Believing she had caused someone’s death, Li reportedly became emotionally distraught. Unable to handle the overwhelming pressure and fearing she’d bring shame or harm to her family, she jumped from the 39th floor of her rented apartment in Selangor.
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Parents devastated over tragic loss
Speaking to China Press, Li’s mother, Madam Li, 48, expressed deep regret for sending her daughter abroad.
She said they initially believed studying in Malaysia would secure a better future for her, but now she wishes they had never made that decision.
Nothing is more important than my daughter’s life.”
If I could do it all over again, I would’ve kept her at home, even if it meant she had no education,” she said.
Both parents now say they wouldn’t recommend overseas education after this painful loss, emphasising that safety matters more than academic success.
Parents struggle to file report in unfamiliar country
Li’s parents arrived in Malaysia on March 23 and attempted to lodge a police report twice but were unsuccessful due to language barriers and unfamiliarity with local procedures.
On Wednesday (March 26), with assistance from a local reporter, they managed to file a third report at the police station.
Madam Li also urged the authorities to investigate the case from a criminal standpoint.
We can’t let our daughter die in vain. We hope the law will severely punish those involved and clear her name,” Madam Li said.
