Zara Qairina Mahathir, aged 13, died on July 17, 2025, at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Kota Kinabalu after being found unconscious near her school dormitory at about 4 a.m. the previous day, the court was told [1, 2, 3, 4].
The inquest presented original video footage and photographs showing Zara cycling with a friend in Sipitang on July 12, 2025, capturing her in good spirits [1, 2]. These videos were authenticated by a forensic analyst who also confirmed the validity of extracted WhatsApp messages, although audio recordings between Zara and her mother played in court were not found on the phones analyzed since they were outside WhatsApp [1, 2, 3].
Six of 42 total recorded conversations between Zara and her mother were played. In one, Zara said, "Bye, sayang, cinta, rindumu. Muah. I love you," to which her mother replied, "I love you, Ra. Bye, Ra" [3]. The authenticity of these emotional exchanges was confirmed despite not being extracted digitally by forensic experts.
Medical examinations determined that Zara’s death resulted from severe traumatic head injuries with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy caused by a strong blow to the head, with no criminal elements identified by doctors [1, 4]. The coroner was shown evidence of extensive bruising on Zara’s body, a shaved area on her head described as soft with fluid inside, a dislocated left ankle, and indications of possible internal damage. Zara’s aunt, Nur Shira Abdullah, testified: "When I touched the left side of the head near the shaved area, I felt it was soft and there seemed to be fluid inside" [4].
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek visited the hospital on July 17, 2025, assuring the family of a transparent investigation. She stated, "This case would not be covered up, but the school was ordered not to provide any information, including to the next of kin, because the police investigation was still ongoing" [5].
The Attorney General's Chambers ordered a formal inquest after reviewing the police investigation. Prior to that, Zara’s remains were exhumed on August 8, 2025, for further post-mortem examination [2, 3]. The inquest continues as authorities piece together all facets of the case surrounding Zara’s death.
