POLICE will review and potentially investigate the circulation of a Facebook post allegedly containing a handwritten note by the late Zara Qairina Mahathir, should a report be formally lodged.
Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Jauteh Dikun said any such complaint would be examined first before determining whether further action is necessary, although inquest matters remain under the jurisdiction of the Coroner’s Court.
“Inquests fall under the Coroner’s jurisdiction, but if a report is lodged, the police will investigate and assess whether further action is warranted,” he said when contacted today.
The remark follows the appearance of an image shared by a Facebook account, purportedly showing a piece of paper bearing the handwriting of the deceased teenager.
Responding to the post, Coroner Amir Shah Amir Hassan reminded all parties with access to inquest materials that they are prohibited from sharing such items with any third parties.
During proceedings today, Nurul Atiqah Mohd Noh, a document examiner with the Department of Chemistry Malaysia, gave testimony on 21 handwritten documents linked to the ongoing inquest.
Commissioner Jauteh further urged the public to act responsibly online and refrain from spreading content that could interfere with legal proceedings.
Separately, police are continuing their investigation into threats made against forensic pathologist Dr Jessie Hiu of Queen Elizabeth Hospital (HQE), who recently provided testimony in the inquest.
“The suspect previously detained remains under investigation. We have also received several additional reports related to this inquest. Updates will be issued in due course,” Jauteh said.
Meanwhile, Kota Kinabalu District Police Chief Assistant Commissioner Kasim Muda confirmed that police are prepared to offer additional protection to any witness involved in the inquest, should a request be made.
“If anyone wishes to request protection, they may do so. As of now, we have received no such applications. However, the inquest proceedings have been running smoothly without incident,” he said.
Police continue to maintain a presence around the courthouse to ensure safety.
Last Friday, police confirmed that Dr Jessie Hiu had lodged a report after receiving threats from online users following her two-day testimony.
A 61-year-old local man was arrested yesterday on suspicion of issuing those threats. He was apprehended at 7am in the compound of the Semporna District Police Headquarters. The threats were allegedly posted to Facebook under the account name 'Amung Kamaruddin'.
Kasim added that police have also been conducting patrols around Dr Jessie’s residence to safeguard her wellbeing. - Sept 8, 2025
