PETALING JAYA: The Prime Minister has directed the authorities to conduct an immediate, thorough and transparent investigation to determine the cause of student Irene Sofiya Mohd Khairool Faisal’s death.
“If there are elements of crime, firm action must be taken in accordance with the law,” said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said the safety of children is a shared responsibility and that the government would not compromise on ensuring their safety and well-being.
In a Facebook post, the Prime Minister extended his condolences to the family and prayed that they would be given strength and fortitude in facing the ordeal.
Meanwhile, Ayer Hitam MP Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong (pic) has pledged to extend assistance to the family of the 16-year-old student, as calls grow for stronger measures to ensure the safety of students in schools.
Dr Wee said he was shocked and saddened by her death and conveyed his deepest condolences to her family.
“My team and I will do whatever we can to assist the family with whatever they may need following this tragedy,” he said in a Facebook post.
The MCA president said the death of a young student is particularly heartbreaking and that his thoughts are with the family as they came to terms with their loss.
He also said the circumstances surrounding the incident made it all the more important for the authorities to establish what had happened through a thorough investigation.
“For now, let us give the authorities the space they need to conduct their investigation,” he said.
Dr Wee also urged the public to avoid speculation or drawing conclusions before the investigation is completed, stressing that the circumstances of the student’s death needed to be established based on facts.
Education Minister Datuk Seri Fadhlina Sidek has ordered a comprehensive review of all aspects of school management and security.
Fadhlina said the ministry will not conceal any facts and want a thorough review of the student attendance records during extra classes, security controls and patrols around the school.
She said the security company appointed by the school has also been asked to give its full cooperation to the review, and stern action will be taken if any negligence or failure by those responsible were found.
The minister said counselling support is also being provided to affected students and school staff, while urging the public to respect the investigation process and give the victim’s family space.
Fadhlina attended a briefing at the school before visiting the victim’s family at Hospital Sultanah Nora Ismail in Batu Pahat.
Separately, Johor education and information committee chairman Dr Muhammad Naqib Md Ghazali said there will be no compromise over any form of bullying, violence or criminal acts that could threaten the safety of the school community.
However, he said whether the incident involved such elements must be determined based on the outcome of the authorities’ investigation and not through speculation.
