Father seeks justice for daughter

The father of a 16-year-old girl found dead in a Johor school is seeking justice for his daughter. Mohd Khairool Faisal Khyar said he wants justice to be served for Irene Sofiya Mohd Khairool Faisal, who was found dead at her secondary school in Yong Peng.

Irene's body was found with multiple injuries to the head and body, and a 16-year-old boy was detained for investigation under Section 302 of the Penal Code. The police are still determining the motive and circumstances surrounding Irene's death.

Malaysia's Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek denied several claims on social media surrounding Irene's death, including that she was dragged from a surau to the school hall where she was found. Fadhlina urged the public to exercise caution before sharing unverified information.

On October 5, Fadhlina ordered a security audit of the school involved, which will include an investigation into school security, CCTV coverage, and compliance with standard operating procedures. The audit was announced at a press conference.

The Malaysian Education Concorde Organisation's chairman, Mohd Ridhwan Othman, called for the Education Ministry to take a firmer stance on handling security and safety issues in schools. He urged the ministry to conduct comprehensive safety audits at all schools and to review standard operating procedures for additional classes and activities held after school hours.

Over 200 mourners attended Irene's funeral, where her father appealed for an end to social media speculation to protect his daughter's dignity. Irene's father said he last saw her about two weeks ago and she looked cheerful and happy to be studying.

The Education Ministry will cooperate fully with the investigation, Fadhlina said. The ministry will investigate matters including school security and discipline, and will answer questions related to the education ministry's role in the incident.