Lawyers confirm girl fearing for her safety is Zara
Published on: Tue, Aug 05, 2025
By: Nora Ahmad Text Size: Zara reportedly fell from the third floor of a religious school hostel in Papar on July 16 and passed away the following day at Queen Elizabeth I Hospital. Kota Kinabalu: A 44-second voice recording of the late Zara Qairina Mahathir, 13, speaking to her mother, Noraidah Lamat, 45, has gone viral, sparking renewed public concern over the circumstances leading to her death. In the audio clip, believed to have been recorded during a phone call prior to the incident, Zara is heard expressing fear about a certain student referred to as 'Kak M', whom she claimed had threatened her. 'Mak, Zara is scared of bumping into Kak M... That day I asked someone to help ask her sister... Ask Kak M if she still has a problem with me. Then Kak M said, 'Yes, I still haven't forgiven Zara,'' Zara is heard saying. Her mother is also heard asking whether Zara had erased her name, reportedly written in the school's Design and Technology (RBT) room. Zara responded, 'Mak, I erased it... then it was written again.' Zara also voiced anxiety over the possible consequences of the alleged threat. 'What if she does it again? That day she said, 'If I touch you, you'll start bleeding.' If she does it, Mak, what will happen?' she said. While the date of the recording has not been confirmed, it was mentioned by lawyers Ismail Hamid and Shahlan Jufri, who are representing Zara's mother. Ismail confirmed that the viral audio was authentic and involves the mother and daughter.
Advertisement Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had earlier commented on the case, stressing that it must be taken seriously. Police have said the investigation papers have been referred to the Attorney General's Chambers and are currently awaiting further instructions. Zara reportedly fell from the third floor of a religious school hostel in Papar on July 16 and passed away the following day at Queen Elizabeth I Hospital. Her death has sparked widespread attention, particularly on social media, amid allegations of bullying at the school. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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