Anwar calls for thorough probe into girl’s death at Yong Peng school

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has called for an immediate, thorough and transparent investigation after a 16-year-old girl was found dead at a secondary school in Yong Peng, Johor, yesterday afternoon.

Anwar said if there are elements of criminal wrongdoing, firm action must be taken in accordance with the law.

“The safety of our children is a shared responsibility. The government will not compromise on ensuring that their safety and wellbeing are always protected,” he said in a statement.

He also expressed his condolences to the girl’s family and wished them strength and resilience during this difficult time.

Separately, education minister Fadhlina Sidek said she was in Yong Peng this morning to get a firsthand update on the incident from the police, state education department, Batu Pahat education office, and the school.

Based on information from the police, the victim was found unconscious on the school grounds and was subsequently pronounced dead.

“A 16-year-old boy has been arrested and remanded for six days to assist in the investigation.

“The case is being investigated as a murder. The motive and cause of the incident are still under investigation,” she said in a Facebook post.

Fadhlina added that she wanted all matters under the ministry’s purview to be thoroughly examined, including students’ attendance records for extra classes, as well as security measures and patrols at the school.

“The security company (for the school) has also been asked to cooperate with the review.

“If there was any negligence or failure to carry out responsibilities as required, firm action will be taken,” she said.

Fadhlina also wrote that she met with the victim’s family at Sultanah Nora Ismail Hospital in Batu Pahat today and stressed that they deserve answers.

The victim, Irene Sofiya Khairoul Faisal, was reportedly found by her grandmother, who went to the school after realising that she had not returned home at about 5.30pm after attending a tuition class.

Separately, Johor police chief Ab Rahaman Arsad in a statement said the victim suffered injuries to her head and several parts of her body.

He also said the suspect, arrested around 7pm yesterday, had no criminal record. Rahaman added that police seized a mobile phone, a set of clothes, and a pair of slippers following the arrest.

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