
Bukit Aman takes over probe into Zara Qairina's death
PETALING JAYA : A task force from the Bukit Aman criminal investigation department has been sent to Sabah to take over investigations into the death of 13-year-old Zara Qairina Mahathir.
In a statement, the inspector-general of police secretariat's corporate communications unit said the deployment of the nine-member task force was aimed at ensuring the investigation is carried out transparently and thoroughly.
'The police take every case involving the loss of life seriously,' it said.
'We urge all parties to allow the authorities the space to conduct their investigation professionally and to refrain from making any speculation that could disrupt the investigation process.'
On Friday, the Attorney-General's Chambers said Zara's remains needed to be exhumed to enable a post-mortem to be carried out on the Form 1 student amid allegations of bullying.
The AGC said it was of the view that further police investigations were necessary to ensure all aspects of the case could be thoroughly examined.
The exhumation was carried out and the post-mortem was concluded yesterday.
Zara was found unconscious at 4am on July 16 after she allegedly fell from the third floor of her school's hostel in Papar, Sabah.
She died at Queen Elizabeth I Hospital the following day.
Zara's mother, Noraidah Lamat, filed a police report on Aug 3 after stating that she recalled seeing bruises on parts of her daughter's back during the Islamic funeral washing ritual.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Daily Express
17 minutes ago
- Daily Express
They should be suspended, not relocated, says DAP
Published on: Friday, August 15, 2025 Published on: Fri, Aug 15, 2025 Text Size: Chan emphasised the need for a zero-tolerance approach to any perception of interference or undue influence on witnesses, students, or school staff, adding that the safety, dignity and justice for students must take precedence over administrative convenience. Kota Kinabalu: Dapsy Sabah has called on the Education Ministry (MOE) to immediately suspend the principal, senior assistant for student affairs and wardens of SMKA Tun Datu Mustapha in connection with the death of student Zara Qairina Mahathir, instead of merely relocating them. Its chief, Chan Loong Wei, said the officers have been temporarily assigned to the Sabah State Education Department (JPN Sabah) pending investigation, but stressed that suspension is a more urgent and necessary measure to ensure the probe is conducted independently and without interference. 'Mere relocation is not enough. These officers must be suspended until investigations are completed and they are proven innocent. 'Allowing individuals under investigation to remain in active positions, even at different locations, risks eroding public confidence in the integrity of the investigation process,' he said in a statement on Wednesday. Chan emphasised the need for a zero-tolerance approach to any perception of interference or undue influence on witnesses, students, or school staff, adding that the safety, dignity and justice for students must take precedence over administrative convenience. He noted that suspension during investigations is standard practice in serious cases, particularly those involving the death of a student. He also reiterated Dapsy Sabah's solidarity with the victim's family and the people of Sabah in demanding accountability and transparency. 'Justice must not only be done, but must also be seen to be done,' Chan said. * 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. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia


Malay Mail
17 minutes ago
- Malay Mail
Bangladeshi duo charged in Johor Bahru with terrorism-related offences
JOHOR BAHRU, Aug 15 — Two Bangladeshi men were charged in the Sessions Court here today with terrorism-related offences. One of them, Md Mamun Ali, 31, was charged with providing support to the Islamic State (IS) terrorist group through Facebook, using an account named Sahifulla Islam, between July 28, 2023, and April 30, 2024. The charge, under Section 130J(1)(a) of the Penal Code, provides a life sentence or imprisonment for up to 30 years, and is liable to a fine upon conviction. The other, Refat Bishat, 27, was charged with possessing a picture of the IS terrorist group flag on an Honor X6a mobile phone at about 4.30pm on July 10, 2025, at a house in Larkin Industrial Estate. The charge, under Section 130JB(1)(a) of the Penal Code, provides imprisonment for up to seven years or a fine, and forfeiture of the goods involved, if convicted. They were charged before Judge Datuk Ahmad Kamal Arifin Ismail, who set September 12 for mention for the appointment of an interpreter. Deputy public prosecutors Maryam Jamielah Ab Manaff and Nur Ainaa Ridzwan appeared for the prosecution in the cases, respectively. Both accused were unrepresented. — Bernama


Malay Mail
17 minutes ago
- Malay Mail
‘Crazy': Farhash Wafa Salvador denies involvement in Rafizi son attack amid rumours
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 15 — Entrepreneur Datuk Seri Farhash Wafa Salvador Rizal Mubarak has reportedly denied today rumours linking him to the attack on Pandan MP Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli's son. Malaysiakini reported the former political secretary of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim replying with a one-word response about the allegations: 'Crazy.' This comes after former economy minister Rafizi said two male suspects on a motorcycle, dressed in black and wearing helmets had tailed his wife's car before grabbing his son and stabbing him with a syringe. Yesterday, Rafizi said that a group of whistleblowers had approached him last week with information on a scandal, and alleged that an attack on his son was meant to stop him from pursuing the matter. He said in his opinion this was a strategy to ensure that he drops the matter altogether. Rafizi said police were investigating the possible link between the attack and his work, which he believes is connected. He explained that his son will need repeated blood tests over six months to rule out drugs, poison, or viral infections. Selangor police chief Datuk Shazeli Kahar has since said the police have tightened security measures for Rafizi following the attack. Formerly Perak PKR chief, Farhash lost the contest for Gombak PKR division chief in 2022 to Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari. Farhash is or had been a director and/or shareholder in at least ten private companies including MMAG Holdings Bhd, HeiTech Padu Bhd, 7-Eleven Malaysia Holdings Bhd, Apex Equity Holdings Bhd, Berjaya Construction Bhd, and Pacific Samudera Sdn Bhd.