No CCTV at site where Yong Peng student was killed, Fadhlina says
KUALA LUMPUR: CCTV cameras at the Yong Peng school where Form Four student Irene Sofiya Mohd Khairool Faisal was killed did not cover the spot where the incident took place, says Datuk Seri Fadhlina Sidek. "The school…
Source: The Star Malaysia · October 5, 2026 at 4:32 AM · AI-assisted report
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SMK YONG PENG, KUALA LUMPUR, 5 OCTOBER 2026 —
Education Ministry Vows Immediate Action After CCTV Gap Exposed in Yong Peng School Tragedy
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KUALA LUMPUR — The Education Ministry has confirmed that CCTV cameras at SMK Yong Peng, where 16-year-old Form Four student Irene Sofiya Mohd Khairool Faisal died under suspicious circumstances last Saturday, failed to cover the exact location of the incident, prompting an urgent review of school security protocols.
Education Minister Datuk Seri Fadhlina Sidek announced on Monday that the ministry would take "immediate action" to address the oversight, including potential disciplinary measures against the private security firm contracted to patrol the school.
The revelation underscores growing public frustration over school safety failures following Irene’s death, which occurred after extra classes on October 3. While the ministry has stressed that the criminal investigation remains with police, Fadhlina made clear that her department would not hesitate to act on its own responsibilities—particularly where negligence or non-compliance is identified.
The ministry is already examining patrol records and duty logs of the security firm, with possible consequences ranging from financial penalties to the termination of its contract.
The incident has reignited debates over school security measures, with Fadhlina acknowledging that existing CCTV systems—while being expanded—are not foolproof. A third phase of camera installations, costing RM15 million, is set to cover 1,000 schools next year, following two earlier phases that equipped 533 boarding schools at a cost of RM8 million. However, she admitted that some schools have faulty or poorly maintained CCTV units, urging principals to report such issues promptly.
The minister also addressed calls to reinstate caning as a disciplinary measure, clarifying that the practice remains legally permissible under existing rules. Male students can still be caned for specific offences, but only by authorised school authorities—never in a manner that risks injury. Fadhlina’s remarks came as a 16-year-old boy has been remanded for six days in connection with the case, with several other students detained to assist investigations.
In response to criticism that the ministry has been slow to act following past school safety incidents, Fadhlina defended the government’s phased approach, citing 11 additional safety measures announced last October that are now being implemented. Yet her tone shifted to urgency when discussing the Yong Peng case, where she warned against premature speculation—particularly online—given that those detained are minors.
"We cannot return this child to her family," Fadhlina said, her voice heavy with solemnity. "But we can make sure her death does not simply pass."
The minister’s remarks reflect a delicate balancing act: addressing public outrage over school safety while navigating legal and procedural constraints. With investigations ongoing and security protocols under scrutiny, the case has become a litmus test for the government’s commitment to protecting students—a responsibility that, as Fadhlina emphasised, extends beyond cameras and contracts to the fundamental duty of care owed to every child in Malaysia’s schools.
Related: Education Ministry · Fadhlina Sidek