Kuala lumpur: Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek announced that the Ministry of Education (MOE) is prioritizing the investigation into the death of Form One student Zara Qairina Mahathir. Zara was found unconscious in a drain near a school hostel in Papar, Sabah, and later pronounced dead at Queen Elizabeth I Hospital in Kota Kinabalu.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Fadhlina assured that a fair and transparent investigation would be conducted to ensure justice is served. The ministry is fully cooperating with the Royal Malaysia Police, and all aspects of supporting the investigation are being given full attention. Fadhlina emphasized the importance of fairness by considering the well-being of the entire school community.

Fadhlina made these remarks while wrapping up the debate on the Education (Amendment) Bill 2025 in the Dewan Rakyat. Zara, aged 13, was discovered unconscious near the hostel of a religious school at 4 am on July 16 and died the following day at the hospital.

In addition, Fadhlina discussed the recent amendments to the Education Act 1996 (Act 550), which were passed to make secondary education compulsory. The aim is to ensure parental responsibility in their children’s education. The MOE is dedicated to keeping children in school despite challenges such as poverty by coordinating assistance for scholarships, uniforms, and other school-related needs.

The Dewan Rakyat will reconvene tomorrow.