Malaysia

Zara Qairina’s case: Some seeking popularity from tragedy - IGP

“There appears to be a growing trend where certain individuals are eager for attention, resorting to sharing or publishing content related to the Zara case through short videos and similar platforms,” the IGP says

Updated 1 year ago · Published on 22 Aug 2025 2:29PM

Zara Qairina’s case: Some seeking popularity from tragedy - IGP
Police chief warns against misinformation and urges public to respect ongoing investigation into teenager's death - August 22, 2025

THE Inspector-General of Police has criticised individuals attempting to gain popularity by spreading misinformation related to the death of Zara Qairina, a 13-year-old student whose passing is currently under investigation.

“There appears to be a growing trend where certain individuals are eager for attention, resorting to sharing or publishing content related to the Zara case through short videos and similar platforms,” said Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail at a press conference in Bukit Aman today.

He added that much of the information being circulated was inaccurate and potentially harmful, stating, “These actions are creating confusion and disrupting the course of the investigation.”

Mohd Khalid stressed that the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) are conducting the investigation strictly according to the law and established standard operating procedures.

“I urge the public to accept the steps taken by the police in ensuring the transparency of the investigation and the integrity of our officers involved,” he said.

His comments come a day after an English teacher was charged in court for allegedly making false claims that the late Zara Qairina Mahathir had been placed in a washing machine—an assertion deemed capable of causing public alarm and potentially inciting unrest.

Zara Qairina, a Form One student at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Agama (SMKA) Tun Datu Mustapha in Sabah, was found unconscious near a school dormitory drain at around 3am on 16 July. She was pronounced dead the following day. - August 22, 2025

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