What alternative punishment exists if the teen is found guilty under the Child Act?

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Alternative Punishments Under the Child Act for Offenders Under 18

If a teenager under 18 is found guilty of an offence for which the death penalty is prescribed, the Child Act 2001 stipulates that the death penalty cannot be imposed. Instead, the court possesses the authority to order the offender's detention for a duration to be determined by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, a Sultan, or a Yang di-Pertua Negeri. This provision specifically addresses how the law handles juvenile offenders facing capital charges.
Detention in Place of Death Penalty

Under Section 97(1) of the Child Act 2001, the death penalty is explicitly excluded for individuals below the age of 18 who are convicted of an offence punishable by death. This legal safeguard ensures that minors are not subjected to the ultimate penalty. The law then provides an alternative sentencing framework to address such convictions.
Court's Authority for Determined Detention

Section 97(2) of the Child Act 2001 grants the court the power to order the offender's detention. The length of this detention period is not fixed by the court itself but is to be determined by the relevant ruling authority, which includes the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the Sultan of a state, or the Yang di-Pertua Negeri of a state. This mechanism allows for a period of confinement tailored to the circumstances of the case and the individual.
Specific Case Context

In the current proceedings, a 15-year-old boy is on trial for murder, an offence carrying the death penalty under Section 302 of the Penal Code. Should he be convicted, the provisions of the Child Act 2001 would apply, preventing the imposition of the death sentence. The court would then consider the alternative punishment of detention for a period to be decided by the relevant head of state.
Remorse and Defence Strategy

The teenager, while testifying in the High Court, expressed remorse for his actions, stating he was sorry for what happened. The defence is also intending to rely on expert psychiatric testimony to support a claim of unsoundness of mind. This testimony, from Dr Ian Lloyd Anthony, indicated that the teenager had suffered from delusions and mental illness for approximately five years, with a potential for worsening due to treatment gaps.

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What alternative punishment exists if the teen is found guilty under the Child Act?

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