BATU PAHAT: The father of 16-year-old Irene Sofiya says he draws comfort from Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia, and her assurance that she would do what she can to help seek justice for his daughter.
Mohd Khairool Faisal Khyar, 42, said he deeply appreciated Her Majesty’s concern and words of encouragement during her visit to the family home in Kampung Selamat here on Monday.
“Raja Zarith Sofiah was very considerate, and we greatly appreciate what she said to our family during this difficult period for us. Her Majesty told us to be patient with what had happened and said she would try to do what she can to help find justice for my daughter,” he said after the visit.
Mohd Khairool, an engineer, said securing justice for his only child was now his main priority following the tragedy.
He said he had received his daughter’s post-mortem findings but declined to elaborate.
He also expressed gratitude for the public’s support following Irene’s death.
“I am very grateful and appreciate all the support. I hope that in the future, something like this will not happen to someone else’s child. I hope the matter will be addressed and resolved,” he said.
Asked what he wanted to see from the Education Ministry, Mohd Khairool said greater priority should be given to school safety.
“Safety in schools. It must be strengthened so that parents can feel assured when sending their children to school,” he said.
Earlier, Raja Zarith Sofiah, accompanied by Che’ Puan Mahkota Khaleeda Johor, the wife of Johor Regent Tunku Ismail, visited the family.
The meeting began with the recitation of prayers led by Batu Pahat Kadi Mohd Fauzi Bachok.
Raja Zarith Sofiah also presented a personal contribution to the family to help ease their burden following Irene Sofiya’s death.
Before leaving, both Her Majesty and Che’ Puan Mahkota Khaleeda were seen wiping away tears.
Also present were Ayer Hitam MP and MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong and Yong Peng assemblyman Ling Tian Soon, who is also a Johor state executive councillor.
Meanwhile, the secondary school where Irene Sofiya was found dead continued its regular operations on Monday.
A parent who declined to be named said students were asked to remain at school slightly longer as the administration held an emergency assembly.
However, the parent expressed uncertainty about what the assembly addressed.
On Saturday, Irene Sofiya was pronounced dead at her school hall after suffering multiple injuries to her head and body, according to Johor police chief Datuk Ab Rahaman Arsad.
Police have detained a 16-year-old male student and obtained a six-day remand order to assist investigations. The case is being investigated under Section 302 of the Penal Code.
