‘Respect our grief’: Irene Sofiya’s family hits back at social media rumours of suspect’s family visit

Batu Pahat, October 9 — The family of 16-year-old Irene Sofiya Mohd Khairool Faisal, who was murdered last Saturday, has strongly condemned rumors circulating on social media suggesting that relatives of the suspect had visited them. Her cousin, Mohamad Fauzi Bujang, 43, told Berita Harian (BH) that the family was taken aback by these claims and emphasized that they had not experienced such a visit.

Fauzi pleaded with the public to respect their mourning, questioning the origin of the false news and demanding evidence to support the allegations. Despite his efforts to confront those spreading the claim, he noted that no proof was provided. The family expressed their disheartenment over the false reports, which had grown more frequent in recent days.

Fauzi also pointed out that the community's continued support had provided solace, as Irene Sofiya's grandparents' home continued to be visited by friends, teachers, and neighbors even a week after the tragic incident.