The death of 13-year-old Zara Qairina Mahathir has sparked a national outcry in Malaysia. Follow the timeline of events from her initial fall at a religious boarding school to the recent exhumation of her body and the ongoing investigation.

The death of 13-year-old Zara Qairina Mahathir has become a national focus, transforming from a reported accident at a religious boarding school in Sabah into a high-profile investigation. The case, which has seen allegations of bullying, a delayed autopsy, and a call for transparency from the highest levels of government, has prompted widespread public concern.

The Initial Incident and a Family’s Doubts

Zara Qairina, a Form One student at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Agama (SMKA) Tun Datu Mustapha in Papar, Sabah, was found unconscious on the ground floor of her dormitory in the early hours of July 16, 2025.

She was believed to have fallen from the third floor and was later pronounced dead at Queen Elizabeth I Hospital. The initial police report suggested an accidental fall, and her body was buried without a post-mortem examination.

However, doubts soon emerged. Zara’s mother, Noraidah Lamat, recalled seeing bruises on her daughter’s back during the burial ritual, a detail not initially reported to the police. The family also possessed an audio recording of a conversation with Zara where she mentioned being harassed and bullied by senior students. These discrepancies led the family to reject the initial findings and begin a determined quest for a thorough investigation.

A Public Outcry and Calls for Transparency

The family’s persistence, combined with social media speculation, turned the case into a national issue. Rumours of a cover-up and VIP involvement spread, prompting government officials to address the matter directly.

July 30, 2025: Zara’s family lodges their first police report and submits the audio recording, formally requesting an exhumation.
August 3, 2025: Noraidah files a second police report, officially detailing the bruises she saw on her daughter’s back and again urging for a forensic examination.
August 4, 2025: The Prime Minister publicly vows a “swift and transparent” investigation, promising that no one will be shielded if wrongdoing is found.
August 8, 2025: Following sustained pressure, the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) orders the exhumation of Zara’s body for a delayed post-mortem.
August 9-10, 2025: Zara’s body is exhumed by a police forensics unit, and a post-mortem is conducted by a team of four pathologists. Family lawyers confirm that fractures and injuries were seen on her body, though the official findings cannot be released yet as the investigation is ongoing.

The Ongoing Investigation and Search for Closure

The case remains under active investigation, with a special task force from the Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department deployed to Sabah to take over the probe. The post-mortem report is considered a key piece of evidence, and the family’s lawyers have indicated that they may seek an inquest to determine the cause of death.

The tragedy of Zara Qairina Mahathir has raised broader questions about safety in boarding schools and the handling of bullying allegations. The Education Ministry has since announced an immediate safety audit of all schools and a reform of the anti-bullying portal. While the full truth is yet to be uncovered, the collective efforts of the family, lawyers, and public have ensured that Zara’s case will not be forgotten and that her story may lead to systemic changes for the safety of other students.