'Plot twist' unsubstantiated: Police dismiss claims against Zara Qairina's mother
Noraidah Lamat (left), Zara Qairina's mother.
KOTA KINABALU – The Federal police Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has dismissed a viral social media claim that the mother of the late Zara Qairina Mahathir was behind her daughter's death.
A press conference led by CID Director Datuk M. Kumar on Wednesday confirmed that the 'plot twist' shared online in recent weeks was untrue. Zara Qairina - Photo credit: X
In a statement issued on Thursday, the legal team representing Zara's mother, Noraidah Lamat, 45, said the allegations were a 'malicious and vile' narrative aimed at defaming their client and the deceased teenager.
'The press conference proves that the 'plot twist' which went viral a few weeks ago on various media platforms, alleging that our client was the cause of Zara's death, is not true.
"The 'plot twist' is a malicious and vile narrative created to slander our client and Zara,' the lawyers said.
The legal team thanked Kumar and his special task force for their swift action in investigating the case.
They also urged anyone with information to assist the police.
'To any individual who has information that can assist the police investigation, we appeal for you to step forward and share the information with them. If you are afraid or require assistance in doing so, you may meet with us.
'Lastly, we thank and appreciate all Malaysians who have supported and prayed for justice for Zara. At the same time, refrain from making untrue speculations about Zara's death," he said.
The statement was signed by lawyers Shahlan Jufri, Rizwandean M Borhan, Mohd Luqman Syazwan Zabidi, Mohd Syarulnizam Mohd Salleh and Farrah Nasser.
Zara Qairina, 13, was found unconscious on July 16 after reportedly falling from the third floor of her religious school hostel in Papar.
She was pronounced dead the following day at Queen Elizabeth I Hospital (HQEI).
Her death drew significant public concern, particularly on social media, amid allegations of a bullying incident at the school.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Borneo Post
40 minutes ago
- Borneo Post
SUPP Youth chief condemns syringe attack on Rafizi's son, urges harshest justice
Lau describes the chilling act as one that has outraged communities nationwide and called for justice to be served with the maximum severity. – Photo by Peter Boon SIBU (Aug 16): Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) Youth chief Councillor Kevin Lau has called on all Malaysians to unequivocally condemn the syringe attack on the 12-year-old son of Pandan MP Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli last Wednesday. He described the chilling act as one that has outraged communities nationwide and called for justice to be served with the maximum severity. 'This act is so heinous, it demands unwavering condemnation. It is an offense against innocence itself. Targeting a child strikes at the very root of our societal principles,' he said in a statement yesterday. He emphasised that political passion and ideological differences – no matter how deep – can never justify violence or intimidation, especially against children, and urged authorities to act swiftly to bring the perpetrators to justice. 'While I may disagree strongly with some of Rafizi's views – especially those concerning Sarawak's rights over oil and gas – never in my wildest imagination would I have believed that there are people capable of stooping so low to target his child,' he said. Lau said political debate and democratic contestation may be fierce, but must always remain within the bounds of civilized discourse. Crossing into violence, especially against the innocent, is an abandonment of democracy and a descent into barbarism. 'Democracy is not just the right to speak, but the responsibility to speak with respect, especially for the weak,' he said. He stressed that this attack breaches a moral boundary and that children must remain off-limits. 'We must ask ourselves: What kind of society allows such things to happen? If politics can seep into violence and reach children, we risk losing not just our politics, but our moral moorings.' Lau called for the perpetrators to be found and face the harshest possible punishment. 'When convicted, ensure that these individuals receive the harshest sentence permissible, not only as justice for this victim, but as a warning that children are sacrosanct and that crimes against them will result in the most severe penalties society allows.' A strong judicial response, he said, is the best way to deter others from committing similar acts. 'The common humanity we share must override partisan identities when a child is harmed. 'Every decent heart must rally, extend support, care, and comfort to those who have suffered such a brutal blow,' he said. He urged Malaysians to reaffirm the sanctity of children through speeches, petitions, moments of silence, or symbolic gestures. condemn Kevin Lau lead Rafizi Ramli's son syringe attack
New Straits Times
7 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Malaysian tourists with burn injuries face long recovery, mounting expenses
BANGKOK: The families of two Malaysian tourists set ablaze here on August 7 fear their medical expenses could exceed insurance coverage. Gan Kin In, 80, said he and his wife, Kek Ley Lan, expressed gratitude to the Malaysian and Thai governments, along with other relevant agencies, for their assistance following the incident involving their daughter and her boyfriend. "We have been in Bangkok for the past week. "The Malaysian government, through the embassy, has given us constant support, while the Thai side, through the Tourist Police and the Tourism and Sports Ministry, has provided transportation and accommodation," he told Bernama on Friday. The two Malaysians, Gan Xiao Zhen, 27, and her boyfriend Ong Yik Leong, 26, were attacked by an unemployed man who allegedly doused them with thinner before setting them alight near a shopping mall on Ratchadamri Road at about 10 pm on Aug 7. However, Kin In said they were worried about the medical expenses, which had already reached around 150,000 baht after just over a week of treatment at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital. He said the Thai government had agreed to provide total compensation of up to 550,000 baht per person. "We are worried that the total amount of compensation may not be enough to cover the total medical costs here, as the charges are quite high," he said. Kin In, a retiree, said that doctors were not optimistic about allowing the victims to be transferred back to Malaysia anytime soon. "Yesterday (on Thursday), Xiao Zhen had a fever and high blood pressure, but she has recovered today. "Her condition is now more stable, and if her health permits, doctors will carry out minor skin operations in phases," he said. In the latest update on Xiao Zhen's condition, Kin In said doctors estimated it would take around two months for her to recover after the skin graft procedures, which would need to be done in stages to minimise pain and discomfort. Meanwhile, Yik Leong, who is being treated in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Police General Hospital, is also reported to be in a stable condition and is being cared for by his aunt, Ong Siew Kien. – Bernama
The Star
10 hours ago
- The Star
Asean News Headlines at 10pm on Friday (Aug 15, 2025)
Malaysia: * Anwar calls for united front against national security, unity threats, including bullying * Armed Forces BIPs scheme expanded to cover more ranks, says Anwar * Nurul Izzah urges swift, stern action over attack on Rafizi's son * Najib betrayed public's trust, SRC International wants RM42mil back, says counsel * Financial incentives for civil servants pursuing higher education at own expense, says PM * Cops remind participants of Zara solidarity rally in KL to adhere to all instructions * Jakim denies viral video claims, says imported meats comply with Malaysian, Australian standards * Akmal under investigation for posting alleged hate content, say cops * MACC to investigate online media company over smuggling link * Sabah Law Society welcomes AGC decision for Zara Qairina inquest * Man sets woman, self on fire at Simpang Renggam toll plaza * Port Dickson shellfish still not safe to eat, third sampling next week * Steady 2Q25 GDP growth signals domestic resilience, momentum could continue in 2H * Don't take matters into your own hands, AGC urges public over flag issue * Bank Negara maintains 2025 GDP forecast at 4-4.8% amid tariff talks uncertainty * Bursa Malaysia poised for gains after stronger-than-expected GDP growth in 2Q * Ringgit strengthens 5.1% against US$ in 2Q25 - Bank Negara / Robust domestic demand drives 4.4% GDP growth in 2Q High school students hold flowers for a ceremony marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, at the Ereveld Pandu cemetery where Dutch soldiers who died in the war are buried in Bandung, West Java, on Friday, August 15, 2025. -- Photo by TImur Matahari / AFP Singapore: * Pesona Anggerik at Gardens by the Bay marks 60 years of Malaysia-Singapore ties * Ong Beng Seng fined S$30,000 for abetting former Singapore minister Iswaran in obstructing course of justice * Sun Haiyan, ex-China ambassador to Singapore, detained for questioning: Sources * Trio accused of offences including maid abuse walk free after charges compounded * Singapore Tourism Board and top entertainment company Blast sign multi-year deal to host premier esports arena events * No service on Singapore's Sengkang-Punggol LRT line due to power fault * Singaporean actress Rebecca Lim says husband brought her peace, security she's never had * JPJ seizes four Singapore-registered vehicles for illegal e-hailing in Johor Indonesia: * Indonesia's 2026 budget is designed to make the country strong, President Prabowo says * More than 360 hit by food poisoning after eating free school meal in Central Java * Indonesian roof tilers flex muscles to keep local industry alive * Indonesia to crack down on illegal exploitation of resources, president says * Craft exporters from Yogyakarta's special region target Europe after US tariffs * Military takes lead on food security - nation has set up 100 army battalions to help with agriculture projects KUALA LUMPUR, Friday, Aug 15: Chairman of the Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS) Malaysia, Datuk Prof Dr Mohd Faiz Abdullah, and Thailand's Ambassador to Malaysia, Lada Phumas (left), shake hands during the Thailand-Malaysia Strategic Dialogue at ISIS Malaysia today. -- Photo: Bernama Thailand: * Malaysia's role in Thai-Cambodia border talks show depth of bilateral trust, says Thai Ambassador * Malaysian tourists with burn injuries in Bangkok face long recovery and mounting expenses * Thai princess reported to suffer from 'severe' blood infection * Thailand reaffirms treaty pledge, urges Cambodia to stop using mines * Body of Thai soldier who shot two civilians in Surin found; Combat stress cited as possible factor * Thai soldier flees Surin camp, shoots civilians in Kap Choeng; two injured Philippines: * China accuses Philippine vessels of 'dangerous manoeuvres' after its own ships collided * Australian and Philippine forces launch largest military exercises near disputed South China Sea * Collision between Chinese ships expected to escalate tension in South China Sea * Online cockfighting thrives in Philippines despite ban and murders * Filipino seafarer loses job over video of him and wife kissing three-year-old son Farmers carry sun-dried bags of rice in Los Palacios, Pinar del Rio province, Cuba, on May 29, 2025. The Cuban government gave land to a private Vietnamese company for rice production in the face of the lack of local productive varieties and inputs to address the lack of this cereal on the island. The national average rice yield is 1.6 tons per hectare, and the first fields harvested within this plan had a yield exceeding six tons per hectare. -- Photo by Adalberto ROQUE / AFP Vietnam: * Plastic pollution treaty talks in Geneva end without an agreement * Action getting fast and furious as the Asean women's football championships fiesta in Vietnam moves into the knock-out rounds * VinFast to spin off assets in US$1.5bil deal with founder * Heavy rain, flash flood risks across 13 Vietnam provinces; strong winds at sea * Pioneering heart, lung transplant marks medical milestone in Vietnam Myanmar: * Chinese and Asean experts gather to explore the region's digital future * Foreign ministers of China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand hold informal meeting in Kunming * Desperate Myanmar villagers scavenge for food as hunger bites * World's first humanoid robot games begin in China Philippine Foreign Secretary Theresa Lazaro, (centre) after attending a trade and investment conference at a hotel in Pasay, Philippines. -- AP Photo/Aaron Favila Cambodia: * China urges Cambodia and Thailand to restore peace at the border * Malaysia-led observer team checks on security along Thai-Cambodian border * Durian diplomacy: China welcomes Cambodia's first direct air shipments of fruit * Cambodia welcomes Chinese support for mine clearance in border areas Laos: * Vietnam willing to share experience in state-owned enterprises reform with Laos * China, Lao FMs meet in Beijing, pledge stronger ties * Laos, Philippines agree to enhance ties as they mark 70 years of relations Brunei: * Brunei expo unveils future of technology * Brunei economy maintains recovery amid global uncertainty Assam Police dog squads take part in a parade during the country's Independence Day celebrations in Guwahati, Friday, Aug. 15, 2025. -AP Photo/Anupam Nath AseanPlus: * Rajnikanth is back with a bang with 'Coolie' and hand it to the superstar to lift the Tamil movie-world out of its doldrums * Almost 100 Bangladeshis denied entry at KLIA, says border control agency * KLIA Aerotrain to close overnight for two weeks starting Aug 18 to optimise system * Malaysia: Local actor Parvin Nair Surendran, 33, killed in highway crash, family seeks dashcam footage * 72YO retired Malaysian engineer repairs toys and gives them back to charity * Warships make their way into Penang for Asean multilateral naval exercise * Kuala Lumpur to host regional underground construction gathering * Foreigners in JB charged with supporting terrorist group * Justin Trudeau among prominent speakers at sustainability forum in Kuching * Leo XIV calls for worldwide peace on his 100th day as pope * Chinese military 'warns off' US destroyer from vicinity of Scarborough Shoal * Local actress Anna Jobling expresses gratitude to mum on 25th birthday amid ongoing conflict * Anna Jobling's mother claims she was being treated 'like a stray dog', upset after receiving injunction order * A rickshaw driver and his dog are winning hearts in Nepal's Kathmandu * Japan posts unexpectedly strong GDP, helped by resilient exports * China's July factory output, retail sales growth slump in blow to economic momentum * China rolls out new visa type to draw young science and tech talent * Japan minister joins crowds at controversial shrine to mark 80 years since world war defeat * Chinese man spends US$120,000 on 300-year gym membership, then owner vanishes * Shaolin's 'CEO monk' scandal may prompt overhaul of how temples are run in China * Trio arrested for allegedly stealing HK$1 million from Hong Kong pet company * South Korea's Lee to end some military activity on border with North Korea * Gen Z women embrace an ancient code written for them * On India's Independence Day, Modi vows to punish Pakistan for future attacks * Indian rescuers scour debris after 60 killed in flood, scores of people are also missing * Tropical storm disrupts travel, courts and schools in China * Citing China's 'significant steps', Trump extends US tariff truce * Japan's PM Ishiba mentions wartime 'regret', toeing right-wing line * Why are there more fights on Hong Kong flights? Conditions, social media blamed * Kim's sister denies propaganda loudspeaker removal, rebuffs South overtures * 80 years on from WWII, China's interests lie in a peaceful Asia-Pacific: Mitter * Zebra stripes, polka dots: The youthful spirit of Copenhagen Fashion Week * Athletics - Fresh off another world record, Duplantis ready to push boundaries again * Olympics - LA28 to allow venue naming rights in first for Olympics; Comcast, Honda debut deals * Badminton - New challenges await Pearly-Thinaah in quest for historic podium spot
