KUALA LUMPUR – The Johor government is prepared to review and assist with basic infrastructure needs at schools statewide as part of efforts to strengthen security following the death of a 16-year-old student in Yong Peng.
Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said the state government would support initiatives by the Education Ministry (MOE) to enhance safety, including the installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras at strategic locations within school compounds.
He said the measures were aimed at preventing a recurrence of the incident that claimed the life of Form Four student Irene Sofiya Mohd Khairool Faisal at a secondary school in Yong Peng.
“We have received a report on the incident and will look into every angle and opportunity to ensure student safety is better guaranteed,” he said.
Onn Hafiz said he would also liaise with the ministry on matters concerning student safety.
He was speaking to reporters today after visiting Irene Sofiya’s family in Kampung Parit Selamat, where he conveyed the state government’s condolences and expressed his sadness over the incident.
He also urged the public to allow police to conduct a thorough investigation and avoid speculation while the case is being probed.
Meanwhile, Johor Education and Information Committee chairman Dr Muhammad Naqib Md Ghazali said the Johor State Education Department (JPNJ) and Batu Pahat District Education Office (PPD) would hold discussions soon to review existing school safety measures.
He said the authorities would examine safety standard operating procedures (SOPs) in detail to identify and address any weaknesses.
“This is not a matter to be taken lightly as it involves the loss of a life,” he said.
On Saturday (Oct 3), Irene Sofiya was found unconscious and bleeding in the school hall at about 5.50pm.
Johor Police chief Datuk Ab Rahaman Arsad said the student had sustained injuries to her head and body and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police later detained a 16-year-old boy in Yong Peng at about 7pm the same day.
He was subsequently remanded for six days until Oct 9 to assist investigations under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder. – October 5, 2026