5 days ago
Body exhumed for post mortem today
Published on: Sunday, August 10, 2025
Published on: Sun, Aug 10, 2025 Text Size: Zara's remains placed in a coffin after being exhumed. SIPITANG: The exhumation of Zara Qairina Mahathir's remains has been completed. Lawyer Hamid Ismail said her remains were transported to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Kota Kinabalu. The post-mortem is expected to take place at 9am today (Sunday).
Advertisement He said the two-hour exhumation process proceeded smoothly and the remains were safely removed before being placed in a hearse to be taken to the QEH1 Forensic Unit. The exhumation, which began at 6.04pm Saturday, was carried out by forensic police officers and witnessed by, among others, Zara's mother and magistrate Zuraini Ali Musa from the Sipitang magistrate's court. Earlier, about 100 family members, acquaintances and residents, who had been waiting since noon, were present to witness the exhumation. The process was monitored by a team of police officers to ensure it proceeded smoothly, while officials from the Sabah Islamic Religious Affairs Department (Jheains) were also present.
Advertisement A large crowd gathered at the Tanjung Ubi Muslim Cemetery in Kampung Mesapol despite heavy rain, to witness the exhumation process. Earlier, the Attorney General's Chambers (AGC) announced that Zara's body must be exhumed to allow a post-mortem procedure to be carried out. 'The Chambers is of the view that there is a need for further investigation to be carried out by PDRM to ensure that all aspects of the case can be thoroughly examined,' it said in the statement. Zara Qairina died at Queen Elizabeth I Hospital in Kota Kinabalu on July 17. She was rushed to the hospital after being found unconscious and critically injured in a drain near her school dormitory in Papar at 4 am the previous day. Grandfather of the late Zara Hasim Tua, 83, said the last time he met his granddaughter was during her birthday celebration last year. He remembers her as a quiet and diligent child who was dedicated to reading the Quran and performing prayers. 'My hope is that this process will be eased and all evidence can assist in the investigation so that she can receive justice.' * 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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