Irene Sofiya murder: Bersatu Bangi calls for urgent overhaul of school safety measures
BANGI, Oct 4 — Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) Bangi division has called on the Education Ministry to urgently review security protocols and monitoring systems across national schools following the fatal attack on 16-year-old student Irene Sofiya Mohd Khairool Faisal at a secondary school in Yong Peng, Johor.
The victim was found critically injured and covered in blood inside a hall at SMK Dato’ Seth after failing to return home from extra classes on Saturday evening.
Police have remanded a 16-year-old male student for six days to assist investigations under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder.
Alma mater alumnus demands answers
In an official statement on Saturday, Bersatu Bangi division committee member Dr Mohamed Maliki Mohamed Rapiee—an alumnus and former head prefect of SMK Dato’ Seth—described the tragedy as a deeply distressing reflection of deteriorating school safety.
“School should be a safe space to gain knowledge and build character, yet a young life was lost in a place meant to nurture students,” Dr Mohamed Maliki said.
Media reports indicated that the victim suffered severe injuries to her head and body, with a shattered flowerpot discovered near the scene. Police investigations into the exact motive and sequence of events remain ongoing.
Call for comprehensive security review
Highlighting that the Education Ministry has ordered a full review of extra-class attendance records, patrolling, and security management, Dr Mohamed Maliki urged authorities to look beyond surface-level discipline and address early warning signs of youth violence, bullying, and substance abuse.
He called on parents, educators, local communities, and government agencies to jointly confront systemic social issues rather than waiting for formal court verdicts.
— The Malaysia Times
