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BATU PAHAT – School safety measures must be given priority and appropriate action taken to prevent a recurrence of the tragic death of Form Four student Irene Sofiya Mohd Khairool Faisal.
Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said the state government was ready to assist in ensuring the safety of schoolchildren remained a top priority.
“Insya-Allah, the state government will assist with basic infrastructure needs, including the installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras.
“We are mindful of what we can do at the state government level and will offer our assistance. However, there are thousands of schools in Johor and tens of thousands across Malaysia, all under the purview of the Ministry of Education.
“That is why I believe this matter needs to be examined more closely by the Ministry. I will get in touch with them,” he said.
He said this after visiting Irene Sofiya’s family in Kampung Parit Selamat, Yong Peng, here.
On Saturday, Irene Sofiya, 16, was found unconscious and covered in blood inside a secondary school hall in Yong Peng.
Following the incident, a 16-year-old male student, who was also the victim’s classmate, was arrested and remanded for six days from Sunday to assist in investigations.
Meanwhile, Johor Education and Information Committee chairman Dr Muhammad Naqib Md Ghazali said his office would hold discussions with the Johor Education Department (JPNJ) and district education offices (PPDs) to review school safety measures.
He said the review would include existing standard operating procedures (SOPs), as well as identifying weaknesses and shortcomings that need to be addressed.
“Tomorrow, I am calling all JPN and PPD officials for a meeting. We will review the SOPs to identify the weaknesses and shortcomings.
“I feel this matter can no longer be taken lightly as it involves the loss of life,” he said.
