Practically impossible to place a human in washing machine
Published on: Thu, Aug 14, 2025
By: Jimmy Goh Text Size: 'There is no way an adult human could fit into a washing machine unless we are talking about industrial-type machines,' said one retailer. - Pic for illustration only (Freepik). Kota Kinabalu: A random survey of washing machine retailers here has shed light on the physical limitations of household appliances, amid ongoing speculation surrounding the death of Zara Qairina. The survey, conducted across various shops selling washing machines in the city, found that available units typically range in capacity from 25kg to 120kg. However, business operators were unanimous in their assessment that placing an adult human inside a washing machine would be practically impossible with standard household models. 'There is no way an adult human could fit into a washing machine unless we are talking about industrial-type machines,' said one retailer. The operators said even if such an act were attempted, putting a human inside a washing machine in motion would be nearly impossible due to fundamental design limitations. According to the retailers surveyed, washing machines are specifically engineered to handle loads of clothes, which are typically distributed evenly and are compressible. In contrast, a human body is rigid and proportionally much larger and heavier, creating abnormal load distribution and excessive mechanical stress on both the drum and motor systems. 'The washing machine structure simply is not engineered for such loads,' said another business operator. 'It would increase the risk of mechanical failure or unstable operation significantly,' she said. These findings come as lawyers representing the family of the late Zara Qairina Mahathir have issued public appeals for credible information to assist police investigations, while urging against online speculation. For the record, lawyers Hamid Ismail and Shahlan Jufri had pointed out that rumours circulating on social media hold no investigative value unless shared directly with law enforcement authorities. The legal team was responding to viral claims on social media platforms, including a TikTok livestream that alleged Zara had been placed in a washing machine before being discovered near a drain. 'The source of these claims is unknown,' the lawyers was quoted as saying. * 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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