MOE pledges appropriate action on death of Sabah student
KOTA KINABALU (July 25): The Ministry of Education Malaysia (MOE) has assured that appropriate action will be taken based on the results of the police investigation into the death of Zara Qairina Mahathir, a form one student in Papar, Sabah.
At the same time, its Minister Fadhlina Sidek advised all parties not to make any speculations regarding the case which is still under police investigation.
'Give space to the police to carry out their duties professionally, transparently, comprehensively and with integrity. No one will be protected and will not escape legal action,' she said in a Facebook post.
She said MOE through the Sabah State Education Department (JPN) has always given full cooperation to the investigation process, besides being committed to ensure the well-being of families, students, teachers and school staff involved.
'This is done through the provision of immediate assistance including psychosocial support in collaboration with the Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH). My condolences to all family members. May you be given patience and fortitude to face this difficult test,' she said.
Zara Qairina, 13, reportedly died after she was believed to have fallen from the third floor of a dormitory building in the early morning of July 17.
Noraidah Lamat, a teacher and mother of Zara, has called for a 'transparent, fair and just investigation' into her daughter's death, suspected to be linked to bullying at the school.
The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) has expressed deep concern over the recent spate of bullying cases reported in schools across the country, calling it a ''systemic crisis of child safety' that requires immediate intervention nationwide.
Its Children's Commissioner, Dr Farah Nini Dusuki, emphasises that school must be the safest place for every child. But recent cases paint a worrying picture of fear, isolation, and violence. These disturbing incidents underscore the urgent need for comprehensive and sustained action to ensure that schools remain safe and nurturing environments for all children.
Umno Sabah Wanita chief Datuk Noraini Idris is urging for the immediate enactment of the Anti-Bullying Act.
'Do not wait for another student's life to be lost. The Anti-Bullying Act must be enacted without delay,' she said on Friday.
Police have not updated on the progress of the investigation into the case.
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Published on: Saturday, July 26, 2025 Published on: Sat, Jul 26, 2025 By: Bernama Text Size: PUTRAJAYA: The Ministry of Education (MOE) has assured that the investigation into the death of Form One student, Zara Qairina Mahathir, is being conducted in a transparent and impartial manner. Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek ( pic ) said all parties must allow the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) to carry out a thorough and detailed investigation into the case. 'We now fully hand over the matter to PDRM and give our full commitment to ensure that the investigation is conducted fairly,' she told reporters after attending the 2025 Prime Minister's Cup Debate Finals here today. She added that upon completion of the investigation, the MOE would take follow-up action in accordance with existing laws. 'We never take any case lightly, especially those involving the welfare and well-being of our students and staff. In this case, I urge everyone to allow space for a transparent and open investigation,' she said. Fadhlina added that several crisis intervention measures are currently being implemented, including psychological and emotional support for school staff and the victim's family. 'This situation also affects the overall well-being of the school community. We are receiving full assistance from our counterparts at the Ministry of Health, who are focusing on the psycho-emotional support for both the family and the school staff,' she said. Zara Qairina, 13, was reported to have died after allegedly falling from the third floor of her school dormitory in Papar, Sabah, in the early hours of July 17. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
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