There will be no compromise on bullying, violence or criminal acts that threaten the safety of school communities, Johor Education and Information Exco Dr Muhammad Naqib Md Ghazali said.
His remarks came following the death of 16-year-old Form Four student Irene Sofiya Mohd Khairool, who was found dead in a secondary school in Yong Peng, Batu Pahat, on Saturday in an incident believed to be murder.
However, Muhammad Naqib stressed that whether the incident involved bullying, violence or any other criminal element must be determined through the authorities’ investigation and not speculation.
“I want to stress that there is no compromise on any form of bullying, violence or criminal behaviour that could threaten the safety of the school community.
“However, whether this incident involved any of these elements must be determined based on the findings of the authorities’ investigation, rather than through speculation,” he said in a statement on Sunday.
He said the state government was leaving it entirely to the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and relevant authorities to conduct a comprehensive investigation to establish the facts and circumstances surrounding the student’s death.
The Johor Education Department (JPNJ) and Batu Pahat District Education Office (PPD) have also been instructed to provide full cooperation to the authorities throughout the investigation.
Both agencies have also been asked to provide the necessary support to the victim’s family and the school community affected by the incident.
Muhammad Naqib said schools should remain safe environments where Johor’s children can receive an education, build their future and be protected in terms of their safety and wellbeing.
He added that the state government, together with JPNJ and relevant agencies, would continue to prioritise safety at educational institutions and take appropriate follow-up action based on the authorities’ findings.
He also urged members of the public and social media users not to speculate, circulate unverified information or jump to conclusions that could interfere with the investigation.
Muhammad Naqib extended his condolences and sympathies to the victim’s family over the tragic loss.
