Police vow no cover-up in probe into schoolgirl’s death in Yong Peng

In Yong Peng, Johor, a secondary school was found to have CCTV cameras in place, however, these cameras were not positioned at the scene where a 16-year-old Form Four student named Irene Sofiya Mohd Khairool Faisal was allegedly murdered. Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek announced that the Ministry of Education (MOE) is upgrading the CCTV facilities and has initiated a probe into the school’s security firm to ascertain if there were any infractions of standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Fadhlina stated at a press conference, "The school does have CCTV, but the cameras were not installed at the scene of the crime." She also advised schools that currently possess CCTV systems but have non-functional or damaged units to notify the MOE to collaborate in enhancing their functionality and recording capabilities.

Regarding security measures, Fadhlina highlighted that the ministry is conducting a thorough examination of the patrol records and duties performed by the security firm on the day of the incident. The ministry has signaled that financial penalties or contract termination may be enforced should any contractual breaches be discovered.

Addressing the public, Fadhlina urged them to cease disseminating false information about the incident in order to show respect for the grieving family of the victim and the underage suspect, who is still under police investigation. "There have been claims that the victim was dragged from the surau (prayer room) to the hall where the incident occurred, as well as allegations of broken glass in the surau. None of this is true," Fadhlina asserted.

The minister conveyed her condolences to Irene Sofiya's family and emphasized that the ministry is demanding justice for the 16-year-old's death. She trusted the Royal Malaysia Police to handle the criminal investigation, stating, "Regarding Irene Sofiya, our responsibility now is clear. The truth must be uncovered, and justice must be served. Justice for Irene Sofiya."