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KUALA LUMPUR - No closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras were installed at the location where a Form Four student was killed at a school in Yong Peng, Johor, although the school had an existing CCTV system.
Education Minister Datuk Seri Fadhlina Sidek said the ministry had taken immediate action, including upgrading the existing CCTV system and ensuring faulty equipment was repaired to improve safety at schools.
“The school has CCTV cameras, but it was not installed at the location where the crime took place.
“We are improving the system and will take immediate action. Any school with non-functioning CCTVs should inform the ministry so that it can be upgraded,” she said at a press conference at the Parliament building on Monday.
Earlier, it was reported that Irene Sofiya Mohd Khairool Faisal, 16, was found dead, believed to have been murdered, at a secondary school in Yong Peng on Saturday.
Her body was found in the school hall in the afternoon.
Meanwhile, Fadhlina said the ministry had also ordered a comprehensive review of management and safety measures at the school, including access control, patrols, compliance with standard operating procedures, CCTV functionality and the duties carried out by the security company on the day of the incident.
She stressed that if any breach of contract or negligence by the security company was found, appropriate action would be taken, including a notice of non-compliance, financial penalties and termination of the contract.
Fadhlina also urged the public not to spread unverified information or speculate about the case, including claims that the victim was dragged from the surau to the scene or that there was damage at the school surau.
“There were claims that the victim was dragged from the surau to the hall where the incident took place, as well as claims that a window at the surau was broken. These are all untrue.
“So, I urge everyone to be careful before sharing anything. We are talking about a child who has died, a grieving family and several underage students who are going through an investigation process.
“So, let us not add to their pain with speculation,” she said.
