PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has declared that the government will accept no compromise on student safety following the murder of 16-year-old Irene Sofiya Mohd Khairool Faisal inside a Yong Peng school.
Ordering an immediate, thorough, and transparent investigation, Anwar stated that the probe is vital to determine the exact circumstances of the tragedy and ensure strict enforcement of the law.
Expressing deep grief over the incident, the Prime Minister noted that he was deeply saddened by the news of the 16-year-old student found dead at a school in Yong Peng, Johor, adding that he has requested authorities to conduct a swift, thorough, and transparent investigation to identify the cause and what actually transpired.
He emphasized that firm legal action must follow any criminal disclosures, asserting that if there are criminal elements, strict action must be taken according to the law.
Reiterating that safeguarding children and students remains a collective national priority, Anwar stressed that the government will not compromise in ensuring their safety and well-being are consistently protected.
The Prime Minister extended his condolences to the victim's grieving family, praying for their resilience during this difficult time.
The Prime Minister's directive coincides with the arrest of three 16-year-old male classmates, who were taken into police custody shortly after the victim was found dead inside the school hall around 5.30pm on Saturday.
One suspect is set to appear before the Batu Pahat Magistrate’s Court on Sunday morning for a remand order.
The victim was discovered by her grandmother, who went to search the school after the teenager failed to return home from tuition classes.
The victim, identified as Form Four student Irene Sofiya Mohd Khairool Faisal, was found lying in the hall with physical injuries, including severe bruising and dried bloodstains, alongside a shattered ceramic vase recovered nearby.
Sixteen-Year-Old Boy Remanded For Six Days
In a new development, a 16-year-old boy has been remanded for six days to assist police in their investigation into the suspected murder of schoolgirl Irene Sofiya.
Johor Police Chief Commissioner Datuk Ab Rahaman Arsad confirmed that the suspect, a local teenager with no prior criminal record, was arrested in the Yong Peng area at approximately 7pm on Saturday by a joint team from the Johor Criminal Investigation Department and Batu Pahat district police.
The suspect was produced before the Batu Pahat Magistrate’s Court on Sunday morning, where the magistrate granted a six-day remand order effective until Friday, October 9.
Providing details of the case, Ab Rahaman stated that police were alerted by a member of the public at around 5.50pm on Saturday regarding a teenage girl found unconscious and covered in blood inside a school hall in Yong Peng.
He noted that the victim had suffered severe injuries to several parts of her head and body and was subsequently pronounced dead at the scene.
A post-mortem examination is scheduled for Sunday at the Sultanah Nora Ismail Hospital in Batu Pahat to establish the precise cause of death.
Investigating officers have confiscated a mobile phone, a set of clothing, and a pair of slippers from the suspect as physical evidence, with the case classified under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder.
Ab Rahaman emphasized that the motive and circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation, urging members of the public to refrain from speculation or making comments that could compromise ongoing enquiries. - October 4, 2026
