Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek has instructed the ministry’s integrity unit to take immediate and firm action following the death of an 11-year-old girl with a history of heart problems, who allegedly took part in a school run despite her medical condition.
Fadhlina said the Kedah Education Department is currently investigating the matter after the family of the late Nur Qaira Alisha Ahmad Ilwan lodged a complaint.
She said she had also directed the ministry’s integrity unit to examine the case and take appropriate action in accordance with existing regulations and laws.
“I have also ordered the integrity unit to take further action in line with the regulations and laws that are in force, based on the principle of justice for all,” she said in a Facebook post.
According to Malaysiakini, Qaira’s family claimed that the girl, who had experienced heart-related problems since infancy, was made to participate in the run on 15 April despite having a medical letter confirming her condition.
The family reportedly said Qaira complained of nausea after completing the run and appeared extremely fatigued.
Her condition later deteriorated, with the girl admitted to hospital on 24 April after repeatedly vomiting and developing swelling around one of her eyes.
Qaira remained hospitalised following the incident and was placed on respiratory support before she died yesterday.
The case has raised concerns over how students with existing medical conditions are assessed and protected during school activities, with the ministry now looking into the circumstances surrounding the girl’s participation in the run.
Investigations are ongoing, and further action will depend on the findings of the Kedah Education Department and the ministry’s integrity unit.
