BATU PAHAT: Nearly two weeks after 16-year-old Irene Sofiya Mohd Khairool Faisal was murdered, her family continues to grieve, missing her laughter and voice.
Her 65-year-old grandfather, Khyar Abas, said he still felt her presence in every corner of their home.
He said the loss was particularly painful as he had been closest to Irene Sofiya, whom he raised following her mother's death eight years ago.
"I really cannot forget my granddaughter. I was always with her, so I feel her loss deeply.
"At times, I feel as though Irene Sofiya is still in every corner of the house, as if she is still here.
"When I see her clothes in her room, I feel emotional. I have not touched her clothes because doing so would make me sad," he said when met at his home in Kampung Parit Selamat, Yong Peng, today.
Khyar said the family home had received a steady stream of visitors since her death, including friends, school representatives and others who knew the teenager.
He thanked those who had visited to offer support and words of encouragement, including well-wishers from outside Johor.
Meanwhile, Irene Sofiya's aunt, Siti Nur Faeza Khyar, 45, expressed hope that the case would be resolved as soon as possible and justice served.
She attended court this morning with two other family members to follow proceedings involving a 16-year-old male student charged with murdering her niece.
She said the family was relieved that the accused had been brought to court and would continue to follow the case until its conclusion.
"We are grateful that he (the accused) has been brought to court. We will continue to follow the developments until the case is concluded," she said.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd