Irene Sofiya Murder Case: JPNJ to Provide Counselling for Family, Teachers and Friends

BATU PAHAT: The Johor State Education Department (JPNJ) will provide psychological support to the family, teachers and friends of Irene Sofiya Mohd Khairool Faisal, 16, who is believed to have been murdered at a secondary school in Yong Peng two days ago.

Johor EXCO member Dr Muhammad Naqib Md Ghazali said the measure was aimed at ensuring their emotional well-being and welfare, as some were still traumatised by the incident.

He said the District Education Office (PPD) and the school principal had met Irene Sofiya’s teachers and friends for counselling sessions.

“The school session is continuing as usual, and we will monitor the situation on the first, third and seventh days, as well as subsequent developments.

“The PPD will provide updates on the situation,” he said after visiting the late student’s family in Kampung Parit Selamat, Yong Peng, today.

At the same time, Muhammad Naqib said the state government would work with the Ministry of Education to explore ways to further strengthen security at schools.

“One of the initial measures is to install CCTV (closed-circuit television) cameras, beginning in this district. CCTV is important as it allows us to review what happened in the event of a tragedy.

“Schools should be safe places, and all parties have a responsibility to look at this issue comprehensively rather than pointing fingers at one another.

“We want to ensure that the mechanisms and safety measures put in place are always functioning effectively and continue to be improved.

“The state government is also working with the police, schools and parents to strengthen efforts to create a safe school environment for our children,” he said.

Irene Sofiya was found in critical condition before being pronounced dead. She is believed to have been murdered after several injuries were found on her body.

Earlier, the victim’s grandmother and aunt rushed to look for her after two of her friends came to the house asking about Irene Sofiya’s whereabouts, as only her motorcycle had been found within the school grounds.

Following the incident, Irene Sofiya’s classmate, a 16-year-old male student, was arrested and remanded for six days beginning yesterday to assist in the investigation under Section 302 of the Penal Code.

Berita Harian