Kota kinabalu: Police have completed their investigation into the death of 13-year-old Zara Qairina Mahathir, who was discovered unconscious in a drain near her school dormitory on July 16.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail revealed that about 60 witnesses from various parties had been interviewed as part of the case. “The investigation is complete. I expect the police will submit the papers to the Attorney-General’s Chambers by next week at the latest,” he stated while discussing the case’s development.
He made these remarks after officiating the Passing-Out Parade for the 12/2024 Maritime Junior Lieutenant Basic Course and the 18/2024 Maritime Class II Cadet Basic Course at the Sultan Ahmad Shah Maritime Academy (AMSAS). Zara Qairina was pronounced dead at Queen Elizabeth I Hospital in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, on July 17, and her death drew widespread attention on social media following the case’s viral spread.
Earlier reports from Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Jauteh Dikun indicated that investigations were centered on two main aspects: the cause of death and the surrounding circumstances. Meanwhile, Saifuddin also highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to reinforce the operational capabilities of the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), including plans for two additional Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV).
He added that MMEA is in the process of acquiring a decommissioned United States Coast Guard Cutter, expected to arrive in November. “With these assets, I believe we can boost morale and enhance the effectiveness of control, patrol, and inspection operations,” he added, noting that 68 officers and 186 personnel have completed 10 months of basic training and are now qualified to serve in the MMEA.
In Kota Kinabalu, Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail confirmed the investigation paper into Zara Qairina’s death had been completed and would be submitted to the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) for further action. He urged the public to allow the authorities to handle the case without interference and avoid speculative comments that could impede the investigation.
‘Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Jauteh Dikun has been providing accurate and timely updates to prevent misinformation or attempts to discredit any party,’ he told reporters after a courtesy call on Sabah Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Musa Aman at Istana Seri Kinabalu.