Zara Qairina was a 13-year-old student in Sabah, Malaysia, who tragically died after reportedly falling from the third floor of her school dormitory on July 16, 2025. She was found unconscious near the dormitory and taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Kota Kinabalu, where she was placed on life support but passed away the next day. Her death sparked national outrage and allegations of bullying at her school. An investigation was initially closed as accidental death, but after public outcry and concerns of a cover-up, a fresh post-mortem and a more thorough investigation including a criminal inquiry were ordered. Five teenage girls were charged with verbally abusing Zara but not with her death, which is still subject to an inquest starting September 3, 2025. The case has drawn widespread calls for justice and transparency as well as scrutiny of the police investigation and disciplinary actions against some officers involved in the case handling.
Key Events
- July 16, 2025: Zara found unconscious near school dormitory after suspected fall.
- July 17, 2025: Zara died in hospital due to severe injuries.
- August 2025: Public outcry led to reopening of investigation, exhumation for second post-mortem, and criminal probe.
- August 2025: Five teenagers charged with verbal abuse related to bullying but not directly for her death.
- September 3, 2025: Inquest into her death is scheduled.
Issues Surrounding the Case
- Allegations of bullying in school and possible foul play.
- Questions about the initial handling of the case and absence of immediate post-mortem.
- Family and public demand for justice and transparency.
- Police disciplinary actions for suspected breaches in investigation procedures.
- Sensitivity and controversies in the media and public discourse about Zara's death.
