KUALA LUMPUR – Police have recorded statements from about 60 witnesses, including students, parents and school officials, as part of the investigation into the death of 13-year-old Zara Qairina.
Sabah police commissioner Datuk Jauteh Dikun said the investigation is being assisted by counselling experts to help traumatised students provide accurate accounts.
“We have taken this investigation to Bukit Aman for observation and final review before referring it to the Attorney-General’s Chambers,” he said, according to Bernama.
“We have left it to Bukit Aman, being a higher authority, to provide further views regarding the case.”
Jauteh said police are not ruling out bullying as a possible factor, but investigations are ongoing.
Zara was confirmed dead at Queen Elizabeth I Hospital on July 17, a day after she was found unconscious in a drain outside her school dormitory. She had reportedly fallen from the third floor around 4am. Doctors later declared she had no brain function and life support was withdrawn at 11am.
Police are now focusing on two key areas: the cause of death and the victim’s surrounding environment.
According to Jauteh, public demand for transparency is one reason police are taking extra care to ensure a thorough and professional investigation.
On July 18, a special police team was deployed to the school. He said investigators are mindful of the emotional toll the incident has taken, particularly on student witnesses.
“Some of the witnesses are also students of the school; if we conduct the investigation in an unprofessional or irregular manner, this will certainly add to their trauma over the situation,” he said.
Jauteh made the remarks after attending the 2025 Warriors’ Day celebration at the Sabah police headquarters. The event was officiated by the Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sabah Tun Musa Aman and also attended by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. – July 31, 2025