00:00Law and Institutional Reform Minister Azalina Othman Syed is calling for an in-depth look
00:06at recent cases of violence and murder involving young people, particularly women,
00:12amid concerns over possible gender-based violence.
00:16Azalina said the increase in such cases was worrying and must be taken seriously,
00:21Sina Harian reported.
00:23Speaking at a press conference in Parliament, she noted that many victims were women
00:28and the alleged perpetrators were often people they knew, such as classmates or university friends.
00:34Azalina said the causes needed closer study, including whether rejection or jealousy could be factors behind such violence.
00:41Her remarks followed the death of 16-year-old Irene Sofia Cairo Faisal,
00:46who was found in a school hall in Yongpeng, after failing to return home from tuition.
00:52Police said an autopsy found Irene died from blunt force trauma to the head.
00:56Three 16-year-old male students have been arrested to assist investigations.
01:02Azalina urged victims to report violence or bullying to the authorities immediately,
01:07saying prompt action was important to seek justice and prevent further harm.
01:12She also called for the anti-bullying tribunal to be strengthened,
01:16so students know where to seek help if reports of bullying or harassment are not properly addressed by schools.
