Yong Peng school security under review after student's death

KUALA LUMPUR: The security company responsible for the Yong Peng school where 16-year-old Irene Sofiya Mohd Khairool Faisal died could face action if the Education Ministry finds that it failed to fulfil its contractual responsibilities.

Education Minister Datuk Seri Fadhlina Sidek said the ministry was reviewing the company's patrol records and its performance on the day of the incident as part of an internal investigation into security at the school.

She said the ministry expected to receive the relevant findings from the security company soon.

"I think as soon as possible, very soon," she said when asked when the ministry expected to receive a report from the company.

"We are also conducting a separate internal investigation."

Fadhlina said security companies appointed by the ministry had clearly defined scopes of work and contractual obligations.

These include controlling entry and exit points, conducting patrols in designated areas and complying with stipulated schedules and duties.

"For the security company at this school, we are reviewing the patrol records and the implementation of its duties on the day of the incident," she said.

Fadhlina said any breach of the company's contractual obligations could result in action under the terms of its agreement with the ministry.

Possible measures include a notice of non-compliance, financial penalties and termination of the contract if the relevant conditions are met.

The ministry has also ordered a comprehensive review of management and security at the school following Irene's death.

The review covers access controls, patrols, CCTV coverage, compliance with safety standard operating procedures and the performance of security personnel on the day of the incident.

Asked whether the ministry's preliminary findings showed any breach of security SOPs, Fadhlina said the investigation was still ongoing.

She said the ministry would provide updates when there were new developments, particularly on matters relating to school safety.

Fadhlina said the police investigation into Irene's death would proceed separately.

"The police will carry out their responsibilities. The Education Ministry will carry out ours.

"If there are gaps, we will fix them. If SOPs were not followed, we will take action. If there was negligence, there must be accountability," she said.

Three 16-year-old male students have been arrested to assist investigations into the death of Irene Sofiya last Saturday.