Kuala Lampur:The stepsister of the late Zara Qairina Mahathir revealed in the Coroner's Court that she never resided with the teenager and lacked firsthand knowledge of her upbringing by Zara Qairina's mother.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Malianah Mahathir, 25, who is the 81st witness, explained that her understanding of Zara Qairina's life and family dynamics came solely from social media and her father. During questioning by lawyer Shahlan Jufri, representing Zara Qairina's mother, Malianah mentioned she viewed family photos on Facebook, depicting a seemingly happy family.

Malianah shared that her father frequently posted family pictures, including those of Zara Qairina as a baby and from their family vacations. She confirmed to Coroner Amir Shah Amir Hassan that she had never personally met or interacted with Zara Qairina.

She further stated that her knowledge of Zara Qairina was based on information from others rather than direct interaction. Malianah also acknowledged that her court testimony about negative experiences pertained to Zara Qairina's mother rather than Zara herself.

When asked by the Coroner about daily treatment by Zara Qairina's mother, Malianah denied experiencing mistreatment every day. Additionally, under questioning by lawyer Nurul Rafeeqa Afdul Mutolip, representing Zara Qairina's father, Malianah admitted she initially felt happy and well-treated after moving in with Zara Qairina's mother.

Zara Qairina passed away on July 17, 2025, at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, following an incident where she was found unconscious near a drain at her school hostel. The inquest will continue with new witnesses tomorrow.