Yong Peng:The Johor state government has announced its readiness to review and assist with the necessary infrastructure improvements in schools throughout the state to enhance security measures, as stated by Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi. This initiative follows the tragic death of 16-year-old Form Four student Irene Sofiya Mohd Khairool Faisal at a secondary school in Yong Peng.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Onn Hafiz expressed full support for any steps taken by the Education Ministry (MOE), including the installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras in critical areas within school premises. He emphasized that the government has received a report on the incident and will explore all possible measures to ensure student safety is prioritized.
After visiting the victim's family in Kampung Parit Selamat, Onn Hafiz conveyed the state government's deep sorrow and urged the public to allow the police the necessary space to conduct a thorough investigation without speculation.
State Education and Information Committee chairman Dr Muhammad Naqib Md Ghazali revealed that discussions are planned between the Johor State Education Department (JPNJ) and the Batu Pahat District Education Office (PPD). The aim of these meetings is to re-evaluate safety standard operating procedures (SOPs) in detail to identify and address any weaknesses or shortcomings.
The tragedy occurred on Saturday, October 3, when Irene Sofiya was found unconscious and bleeding in the school hall around 5.50 pm. Johor Police chief Datuk Ab Rahaman Arsad reported that the victim had sustained injuries to her head and body and was pronounced dead at the scene. Following the incident, police detained a 16-year-old boy in Yong Peng at approximately 7 pm the same day; he was remanded in custody for six days until October 9 to aid in the investigation under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder.