The tragic death of Zara Qairina Mahathir, a 13-year-old Form One student, continues to grip the nation as investigations deepen and new developments unfold. Below is an updated timeline detailing key events surrounding the case:
July 16, 2025 — Found unconscious near dormitory
Zara was found unconscious in a drain near her religious school dormitory in Papar, Sabah, reportedly after falling from the third floor. She was rushed to Queen Elizabeth I Hospital, Kota Kinabalu.
July 17, 2025 — Confirmed dead and burial
Zara was pronounced dead at the hospital and subsequently buried at Kampung Kalamauh Mesapol, Sipitang.
July 18, 2025 — Ministry of Education cooperates
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek confirmed full cooperation with police investigations.
July 21, 2025 — Mother calls for transparent probe
Zara’s mother, Noraidah Lamat, urged for a fair and thorough investigation. She revealed that the last time she saw her daughter was at a school gotong-royong event on July 12.
July 28, 2025 — Police urge public calm
Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Jauteh Dikun appealed for calm and discouraged speculation.
July 30, 2025 — Deputy Minister denies involvement
Deputy Higher Education Minister Datuk Mustapha Sakmud denied any involvement by himself or his wife, former school principal Cikgu Rosnih Nasir, amidst baseless allegations.
July 31, 2025 — Investigation nearing completion
Police stated that the investigation was in its final stages, with 60 individuals interviewed. Case papers were submitted to Bukit Aman police for final review before being forwarded to the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC).
August 1, 2025 — Mother requests exhumation
Noraidah requested Zara’s body be exhumed for further autopsy to seek answers and justice. Legal proceedings were initiated.
August 6, 2025 — Warning against speculation
The family’s lawyer urged the public to avoid speculation that could distress the family or hinder investigations. AGC returned the preliminary report to police, requesting further investigations and cautioning against sharing unverified information or images.
August 7, 2025 — Audio recording and misinformation control
Zara’s mother handed over a mobile phone containing audio recordings of conversations with her daughter to the police. The Ministry of Education filed multiple police reports against misleading posts and videos related to the case, citing concerns over public order. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil urged for a thorough investigation and warned against the spread of false information.
August 8, 2025 — AGC orders exhumation
The Attorney-General’s Chambers ordered Zara’s remains to be exhumed to facilitate a full post-mortem.
August 9, 2025 — Body exhumed; autopsy begins
Zara’s body was exhumed from Tanjung Ubi Muslim Cemetery in Kampung Mesapol, Sipitang. An eight-hour autopsy was performed by four pathologists, including a forensic expert from Sultan Idris Shah Hospital, Serdang. The procedure was observed by the family’s lawyer and police officers. The family denied viral claims about fundraising for legal fees and discredited a viral video purporting to be Zara’s voice.
August 10, 2025 — Body reburied
Following the completion of the autopsy, Zara’s body was returned to the family and reburied at the same cemetery, with loved ones gathered for a solemn farewell.
National Response and Official Statements:
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim emphasized that the investigation must be transparent and free from political influence, stating, “There will be no compromise, no matter whose child it is.” Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution promised regular updates and justice, while Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil called for responsible use of social media to avoid misinformation and vigilante behavior.
The case has sparked widespread public outrage and solidarity, with peaceful rallies held in Labuan and across Malaysia, calling for justice and an end to bullying.
