Yong Peng School Had CCTV, But None At Crime Scene - Fadhlina

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 5 (Bernama) -- The secondary school in Yong Peng, Johor, where a Form Four female student was allegedly found murdered, is equipped with CCTV cameras, but none were installed at the location where the incident occurred.

Education Minister Datuk Seri Fadhlina Sidek said the Ministry of Education (MOE) is now upgrading the CCTV facilities and has launched an investigation into the school’s security company to determine whether there were any breaches of standard operating procedures (SOPs).

“The school does have CCTV, but the cameras were not installed at the scene of the crime. That is why I say, beyond the (new installation) phases...

“...any school that already has CCTV, but where the system is non-functional or damaged, should inform us so that we can work together to improve its functionality, ensuring it can capture and record events within the school,” she told a press conference at the Parliament building today.

Elaborating on security measures, Fadhlina said the ministry is also conducting a comprehensive review of the patrol records and duties carried out by the security company on the day of the incident.

She warned that financial penalties or termination of the contract could be imposed if any breaches of the stipulated terms are found.

Meanwhile, she urged the public to stop spreading false information about the incident out of respect for the grieving family of the victim and the underage suspect, who remains under police investigation.

“There have been claims that the victim was dragged from the surau (prayer room) to the hall where the incident occurred, as well as allegations of broken glass in the surau. None of this is true.

“Let us not add to the pain with speculation,” she said.

While extending her condolences to the victim’s family, Fadhlina said the ministry demanded that justice be served in the death of Irene Sofiya Mohd Khairool Faisal, 16, and had fully entrusted the criminal investigation to the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM).

“Regarding Irene Sofiya, our responsibility now is clear. The truth must be uncovered, and justice must be served. Justice for Irene Sofiya,” she said.

Irene Sofiya was found dead, with injuries on her body suggesting that she had been murdered, inside the hall of a secondary school in Yong Peng at 5.30 pm last Saturday.

The victim was discovered by her grandmother and a friend, who had gone to the school after realising that she had not returned home even though her extra classes had ended.

-- BERNAMA