After Yong Peng murder, MB says Johor govt ready to help upgrade school security

Batu Pahat - The government of Johor is prepared to assist the Ministry of Education (MoE) in strengthening school security measures in the state, following a tragic incident that resulted in the death of a 16-year-old student, Irene Sofiya Mohd Khairool Faisal. Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi expressed his full support for any initiative undertaken by the education ministry, emphasizing the installation of CCTV cameras as a priority, particularly in strategic areas of the school premises.

Onn Hafiz stated that the Johor government has received a report on the incident and will thoroughly investigate every aspect of it to ensure enhanced student safety. He added that he would coordinate with the ministry in addressing the safety concerns related to the incident. After visiting the victim's family in Kampung Parit Selamat, Onn Hafiz expressed deep sorrow on behalf of the state government and urged the public to give the police ample space to conduct a comprehensive investigation and avoid any speculative statements.

Dr Muhammad Naqib Md Ghazali, chairman of the State Education and Information Committee, mentioned that discussions are set to take place soon between the state education department and the Batu Pahat district education office. The primary focus of these meetings will be to re-examine the safety standard operating procedures (SOPs) in detail, with the aim of identifying and addressing any weaknesses or shortcomings.

This matter is not to be taken lightly, as it involves the loss of a life, emphasized Dr Muhammad Naqib. On Saturday, Irene Sofiya was found unconscious and bleeding in the school hall at 5.50pm. She sustained injuries to her head and body, which led to her death at the scene. A post-mortem examination confirmed that she died due to blunt force trauma to the head.

Police detained a 16-year-old schoolmate of Irene Sofiya, a male student, around 7pm on the same day. He was subsequently remanded in custody for six days until October 9 to assist in the investigations under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder.