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New Straits Times
4 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Sabah minister denies daughter linked to Zara Qairina's death
BANGI: Sabah Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif has denied claims that his daughter was involved in the death of a student at a religious school in Sabah. Mohd Arifin's denial follows a social media post alleging that a student named Farisha, claimed to be his daughter, was involved in the incident. "I do not have a child by that name, nor do I have a child studying at the school concerned," Mohd Arifin said to reporters at the Sabah State Government Scholarship (BKNS) Roadshow with Sabah undergraduates at the Bangi Avenue Convention Centre today. The student, Zara Qairina Mahathir, was found unconscious after reportedly falling from her school dormitory building in Papar, Sabah, on July 16. She was confirmed dead the next day at Queen Elizabeth I Hospital (HQE I). Following the case, social media was abuzz with allegations that the death involved elements of bullying and implicated several children of VIPs and influential individuals. Arifin said that while Zara Qairina was being treated in hospital, he, along with the Education director-general and an entourage, had visited the student's mother. Four days after Zara Qairina's death, he, together with a delegation from Yayasan Sabah and the Sindumin state assemblyman, also visited the student's family in Sipitang to convey condolences from Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. "We will await the results of the police investigation and we will not compromise with any party over anything that has happened involving the student. We hope the open investigation will continue in the interest of justice for the student," he said.
New Straits Times
21-07-2025
- New Straits Times
Mother seeks transparent probe into daughter's death in school dormitory
SIPITANG: "I want a transparent, fair and just investigation." These were the words of Noraidah Lamat, the mother of Form One student Zara Qairina Mahathir, who recently died after allegedly falling from the third floor of a school dormitory building. The incident involving the student from Sipitang has also been linked to bullying among students at the school. Noraidah, 45, a teacher, recounted that the last time she met her only daughter was during a school gotong-royong (communal work) programme on July 12. "On that Saturday (July 12), the school held a gotong-royong. My daughter really wanted me to attend. Before that, she had called using a public phone and said, 'Mama, please come'. "I joked with her that I'm not good at gotong-royong. But the next morning, I left Sipitang at about 9am. "Only a few people were there for the programme, so she was very happy. After the gotong-royong ended, we went straight back to Sipitang," she said. The following Sunday, she sent Zara back to the dormitory. "I didn't notice anything unusual; she was still her usual enthusiastic self," she said. Noraidah further said that on the same Saturday, Zara spent the evening at the Esplanade Public Park playing games with her friend until 7pm. "I picked them up after that and we went home. The next day, I sent her back to the hostel. "When we were about to leave for the dorm, she said she wanted to go back a bit later than usual. But I didn't suspect anything. Around 1pm, I told her we had to leave. The latest she could arrive was by 3.30pm," she said when met at her home today. Noraidah also recalled that on Sunday, before returning to the dorm, Zara cooked egg bread. "That was the last meal she brought and cooked at my house. I found it strange at the time. She cooked it for us," she said. Originally from Kampung Naluyan, Noraidah expressed hope that the investigation into her daughter's death would be carried out transparently and fairly. Sabah Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif, who visited Noraidah today, also presented a RM10,000 contribution from the Sabah State Education Fund (TPNS), in addition to other cash assistance. Also present were Qhazanah Sabah Berhad chairman and Sindumin assemblyman, Datuk Dr Yusof Yacob, and Yayasan Sabah director, Datuk Ghulam Haidar Khan Bahadar. Meanwhile, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek, in a separate development, expressed condolences and visited the family at the hospital to ensure all their needs were met and their welfare looked after. In a statement, she said the Education Ministry (KPM) would fully cooperate with the authorities in the ongoing investigation. Papar police chief Superintendent Kamaruddin Ambo Sakka had said police were conducting a thorough investigation to determine the cause of Zara's death.
The Star
20-07-2025
- Science
- The Star
Sabah allocates RM136mil in scholarships this year
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah has allocated RM136mil in scholarships this year, RM50mil more than in 2020, says Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. 'I hope students will make good use of whatever funding they receive from the government and work hard to achieve academic excellence and to excel in their respective fields of study,' he said in his speech, which Sabah Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Mohd Arifin Arif read. His speech was delivered during the aid distribution for local university students under the Sentosa initiative at a ceremony held at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) near here on Sunday (July 20). He said 4,170 students are expected to benefit from the Sabah State Government Scholarship (BKNS) this year. At the event, RM300 one-off aid was given to 600 students, including 319 from UMS and 323 from the Sabah Mahsa College. Hajiji, who is UMS pro-chancellor, said this year, the state government had allocated RM77.5mil to implement 13 education-related initiatives.
Barnama
20-07-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Sabah Allocates RM136 Mln In Scholarships This Year To Develop Quality Human Capital
KOTA KINABALU, July 20 (Bernama) -- The Sabah government has allocated RM136 million for the Sabah State Government Scholarship (BKNS) this year as its continuous commitment to strengthening the development of higher education in the state, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said. The allocation is the highest so far, which has risen significantly compared to RM50 million in 2020, reflecting the determination of the state government to ensure its youth, regardless of socio-economic background, have a chance to further their studies, he added. 'This is the government's long-term investment project to develop quality human capital that is competitive. We don't want young Sabahans to be left behind in education due to financial constraints,' he said in his speech read by Sabah Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif at the Sabah university student aid presentation (SENTOSA) at Universiti Malaysia Sabah here today.
Daily Express
28-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
ILTP shows promising performance
Published on: Saturday, June 28, 2025 Published on: Sat, Jun 28, 2025 By: Crystal E Hermenegildus Text Size: Arifin presenting a certificate to one of the Best Trainee Award recipients during the ILTP convocation ceremony. Kota Kinabalu: The employment and academic progression rates of Institut Latihan Teknik dan Perdagangan (ILTP) graduates are on an upward trend, reflecting the growing impact of technical and trade training in Sabah. Sabah Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif said recent data shows significant improvements in graduate outcomes from ILTP – a training institution under the Human Resource Development Department (JPSM). 'In 2023, 42 per cent of ILTP graduates secured employment while 21 per cent continued their studies. 'By 2024, those numbers rose to 54 per cent employed and 24 per cent pursuing higher education,' he said during the 35th ILTP JPSM Convocation Ceremony at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC). 'These numbers show that ILTP graduates are gaining traction in various sectors across Sabah and are becoming increasingly competitive. Their success should inspire current and future trainees to aim higher,' he added. A total of 310 graduates completed their training this year, with 18 outstanding individuals – nine each from technical and trade programs – receiving the Excellent Trainee Award in recognition of their excellence and determination. 'Your achievements reflect your perseverance and fighting spirit. Today, you prove that determination leads to success,' said Arifin in congratulating the awardees. He emphasised that ILTP's growing track record is a result of both the trainees' commitment and the dedication of the instructors behind them. 'Our instructors have been instrumental in shaping the character and skillsets of these young talents. Their role is more vital than ever, especially as we face increasing demand for skilled workers in the age of globalisation and Industry 4.0,' he said. Arifin also assured that ILTP graduates who continue to higher education would be supported through multiple financial aid avenues, including Yayasan Sabah, the State Government Scholarship, the Sabah State Education Fund, and potential sponsorships from Asnab. 'This year, the State has allocated RM125 million in scholarships, benefiting more than 3,000 students – triple the number from previous years,' he added. Acknowledging that TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) still faces public perception challenges, Arifin stressed the need to change the narrative. 'Many still view TVET as a second-choice path. That needs to change. Skilled trades offer stable, in-demand careers – often with better job prospects than some oversaturated professional fields,' he said. To boost interest and awareness, the state is actively promoting Stem and TVET education through initiatives like the State-level TVET Stem Carnival, the Sabah State TVET Council, and collaborations with religious institutions such as the State Tahfiz Institute and Tahfiz Limum Bakut through the 'TVET Tahfiz' programme. 'ILTP's consistent results are a testament to the value of vocational education in Sabah's development journey,' Arifin concluded. * 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
