THE inquest into the death of 13-year-old Form One student Zara Qairina Mahathir resumed today at the Kota Kinabalu Coroner’s Court, as further witness testimonies shed light on a pattern of bullying and exclusion in the school hostel where she lived.
Presiding Coroner, Sessions Court Judge Amir Shah Amir Hassan, is expected to hear from more witnesses this week, including medical personnel and schoolmates of the deceased, as part of the ongoing probe into the circumstances surrounding her death on 16 July.
The court previously heard that Zara Qairina was subjected to harsh treatment by peers, with several child witnesses revealing she had been called offensive names and was frequently the target of blame when items went missing in the hostel or surau.
Last Friday, the court was told that a tightly-knit student group known as Gang 19 — comprising 19 students from the same academic year — had confronted Zara Qairina on the night of 15 July, following the reported loss of a wallet.
One member of the group allegedly shouted at her with the words, *“aku injaklah kepala kau ni”* — roughly translated as “I will step on your head.”
Lawyer Shahlan Jufri, representing Zara Qairina’s mother, Noraidah Lamat, confirmed that Child Witness 5, a member of *Gang 19*, testified to the group’s involvement in confronting the teen, further confirming the clique’s existence and her own membership in it.
According to Shahlan, Child Witness 4, identified as the 12th deponent, described Zara Qairina as “a good person”, adding that on the night she was summoned, Zara was seen sitting cross-legged on the floor, facing another student inside a separate dormitory.
“The whole exchange lasted about 20 minutes,” said Shahlan. “The witness also noted that there was a storm outside that evening — heavy rain and strong winds — which led to a warden instructing all students to remain indoors.”
The witness also remarked that Zara’s name had often been mentioned among students whenever there were thefts or lost items, further highlighting a perception that may have isolated the teenager.
Lawyer Joan Goh, representing one of five girls charged in the Children’s Court for allegedly using offensive language against the deceased, noted during cross-examination that while derogatory terms such as *‘anjing’* (dog) and *‘gila’* (crazy) were commonly heard among students, they were part of what the witness described as hostel “culture”.
“Importantly, she also confirmed that Zara Qairina was not mocked or laughed at by seniors during the confrontation,” Goh said.
Child Witness 5 later testified that she identified Zara lying unconscious at around 4am on 16 July. “I knew it was Zara Qairina from the jersey she was wearing, the blue and white one,” the witness told the court.
Separately, lawyer Mohd Syarulnizam Mohd Salleh confirmed that forensic analysis of 11 documents — including a green exercise book believed to contain relevant handwriting — is still underway. The Chemistry Department has conducted preliminary examinations, but a further review by the DNA division is pending rescheduling due to technical constraints.
“These documents are crucial, as they may offer further insight into Zara Qairina’s final hours,” said Mohd Syarulnizam.
To protect the identity of child witnesses, the court has ruled that media access to live proceedings will be restricted until all underage witnesses have completed their testimonies.
Zara Qairina’s death, believed to have occurred in the early hours of 16 July, has drawn national attention and sparked renewed debate on student welfare, bullying, and mental health support in school boarding facilities. - September 29, 2025
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