In Taichung, a 23-year-old man allegedly attacked his 18-year-old ex-girlfriend during a tense conversation about their failed relationship. The incident occurred late Tuesday night in a quiet alley along Tianxiang Street.
According to police reports, the man, surnamed Hsiao, used a knife to slash the victim’s neck and hand before fleeing on his motorcycle. He travelled roughly 158km north to New Taipei City, where he was eventually apprehended 10 hours later by a dedicated police task force.
The victim was immediately rushed to the hospital and fortunately survived the ordeal, though her injuries were serious. CCTV footage from the scene showed the woman running toward her current boyfriend, screaming in terror as blood splattered onto the walls and pavement.
Authorities have charged Hsiao with attempted murder and domestic violence. He is now in custody pending further investigation.
Taylor’s University Stabbing Incident: Students Stop Suspect Mid-Attack
Meanwhile, in a separate case at Taylor’s University in Subang Jaya, Malaysia, a 20-year-old female international student was attacked on campus by her 21-year-old ex-boyfriend, also a foreign national.
The attack occurred in broad daylight, with the man suddenly pulling out a knife and slashing the woman’s neck. The terrifying moment was caught in viral videos circulating on Xiaohongshu, showing blood gushing from the victim’s wound as she sat helplessly on the ground.
Fortunately, several quick-thinking students intervened, subduing the assailant and disarming him before campus security arrived. The injured woman was rushed to University Malaya Medical Centre, where she remains in stable condition.
Police have launched an investigation under Section 324 of Malaysia’s Penal Code for voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapons. If convicted, the suspect faces up to 10 years in jail, fines, whipping, or all three.
Public Shocked by Brutality and Pattern of Behaviour
Both cases have prompted intense public discussion about violence in romantic relationships, especially among young people. Social media platforms have been flooded with comments expressing concern over emotional instability and possessiveness leading to such life-threatening behaviour.
“Breakup doesn’t mean you own someone’s life,” one Malaysian netizen posted. “These men need mental health support and stronger deterrents before more women get hurt.”
In both incidents, authorities confirmed that the attackers were former boyfriends, suggesting unresolved emotional issues that escalated into violent action. Mental health professionals have since weighed in, urging educational institutions and families to offer more support systems for students dealing with relationship stress and emotional trauma.
Schools and Society Urged to Take Action
The incidents have also sparked calls for stricter campus security protocols, relationship counselling, and early intervention programmes to address signs of abusive behaviour.
“These are not isolated cases anymore. We need to teach young people how to manage emotional conflict, especially after a breakup,” said one university lecturer in a public statement.
Authorities in both countries have reiterated their zero-tolerance stance on domestic and relationship violence and are urging victims or witnesses to step forward early, before situations spiral out of control.
As both suspects face potential long-term jail time, these cases serve as grim reminders of how unresolved emotional disputes can turn deadly — and the importance of spotting the red flags before it’s too late.