KUALA LUMPUR, Oct. 16 -- A heavy silence filled the hall as family members, classmates and friends gathered to pay their final respects to 16-year-old Yap Shing Xuen, who died in a stabbing incident at her secondary school.

At her wake service held at Nirvana Center Kuala Lumpur, the mood was sombre and serious.

By 3pm, a group of media personnel had congregated outside the ceremonial hall where Yap's body was lying in repose.

A lone sign placed outside the hall read, "Media, photography and video recording are strictly prohibited."

Wreaths from various well-wishers, including political parties such as DAP and MCA, lined the exterior hallway.

Inside, Yap's body rested in an open casket as Buddhist nuns led those present in prayer rec...