Zara’s mum testifies never said daughter murdered, still awaiting police report

 

Photo shows the Kota Kinabalu High Court Complex. — Bernama photo

KOTA KINABALU (Oct 12): Zara Qairina Mahathir’s mother told the Coroner’s Court here that she never said her daughter might have been murdered.

Noraidah Lamat, 46, told Coroner Amir Shah Amir Hassan that she never received a clear explanation on what happened to her daughter until the case was brought to court.

“I never said that Zara could possibly have been murdered because I’m still waiting for the report from the investigating officer,” said Noraidah.

She was responding to questions from counsel Abdul Fikry Jaafar Abdullah, who is representing Students B, C, D, and E.

Abdul Fikry had asked Noraidah if she believed there was a possibility that Zara had been murdered based on her observation of bruises on Zara’s back.

When Abdul Fikry asked: “These bruise marks were the reason you could not accept that Zara might have commit suicide, correct?”, Noraidah responded: “I just want the police to investigate this matter.”

To another question, Noraidah said she was unsure whether the bruises were injuries or marks from being hit.

“Those marks were below the skin, not on the surface,” Noraidah stated.

Noraidah revealed that she saw the bruises when she joined the ritual to wash Zara’s remains on July 17, 2025.

The inquest will resume on Oct 13. - borneopost

Zara pointed out seniors who mocked her to mother during gotong-royong, inquest told

 

Zara Qairina Mahathir

KOTA KINABALU (Oct 12): Zara Qairina Mahathir pointed out seniors whom she claimed had mocked her when her mother attended the school’s gotong-royong on July 12-13, 2025.

When giving oral evidence before Coroner Amir Shah Amir Hassan, Noraidah Lamat said Zara had identified seniors who mocked her by saying things such as: “Zara perasan cantik” (As if you’re pretty Zara).

“I asked Zara to bring me for a walk around the school administration block, to the school canteen, and to the classrooms on the second floor.

“When we walked together, Zara pointed out to me the seniors but I did not take their photos,” said Noraidah.

Under examination-in-chief by counsel Nurul Rafeeqa Afdul Mutolip, Noraidah further testified that Zara asked her not to look at those seniors for too long because they might notice they were being looked at.

“I then said to Zara, ‘Let it be,’ and then held Zara’s hand to enable these seniors to see that Zara has a mother and they could not just do something to Zara,” said Noraidah.

She stated that Zara was cheerful when talking about the seniors.

“Zara seemed proud too because I attended the gotong-royong at her school,” Noraidah added.

To another question, Noraidah testified that Zara never shared any intention of wanting to change schools.

Nurul Rafeeqa then pointed out testimonies from witnesses saying Zara had told them her intention to change schools but that Noraidah did not agree.

“Zara never told me about that, what she ever told me was that she wanted to have a position in school; she wanted to become a prefect.

“This was because a student who has a position in school will be placed in a special room. Zara was scared to sit together with bad students,” Noraidah explained.

She was then referred to an audio recording marked as exhibit I-67, audio number 12, when Zara told Noraidah she was told “Kalau aku touch-touch kau ni, berdarah-darah kau ni” (If I touch you, you will bleed).

Nurul Rafeeqa then asked: “Who did Zara attribute those words to?”

Noraidah then stated two names revealed by Zara.

“I want to explain more, the meaning of touch-touch here was to punch, kick, and slap, and berdarah-darah was until her face started bleeding.

“That was the meaning of those words because I asked Zara to explain it. I then convinced Zara that these seniors would not dare to do it to Zara because they were at a religious boarding school with rules,” said Noraidah.

According to Noraidah, Zara then told her these seniors were brave because Zara claimed they caused someone to bleed previously.

“Initially, I thought touch-touch was unsafe touching, but when I asked for an explanation, Zara said it was to punch, kick, and slap.

“Zara was in fear when she told me about this and I advised Zara not to walk alone, always together with friends, and ensure when walking not to walk near these seniors,” Noraidah testified.

On July 16, 2025, 13-year-old Zara was found unconscious below her hostel building and was pronounced dead at Queen Elizabeth Hospital the following day.

Zara’s remains were exhumed on Aug 9, 2025 and a post-mortem examination was conducted at the hospital’s Forensic Medicine Department on Aug 10.

On Aug 20, 2025, five minors, given the pseudonyms Students A, B, C, D, and E, were charged in the Court for Children with insulting Zara.

The inquest will resume on Oct 13. - borneopost

Cybercrime Act expected to come into force in early 2027

 

KUALA LUMPUR: The Cybercrime Act is expected to come into force in early 2027 as the government steps up efforts to tackle increasingly complex and organised online scams.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the legal framework had been strengthened through amendments to the Penal Code, introducing Sections 424A, 424B, 424C(1) and 424C(2), and the Criminal Procedure Code, through Section 116D.

Action against online crime is also supported by provisions under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 and the Online Safety Act 2025, which aims to improve online safety and protect users from harmful content and risks.

"The legal framework on cybercrime has also been strengthened through the introduction of the Cybercrime Bill, in line with technological developments and the changing landscape of cybercrime threats.

"The Cybercrime Act is expected to come into force in early 2027," he said in a written parliamentary reply.

Saifuddin said the Home Ministry would continue to review existing laws to ensure they remained relevant and effective in addressing evolving cybercrime threats.

"The Home Ministry will continue to review and assess the need to improve existing legal provisions from time to time to ensure the country's legal framework remains relevant and effective in addressing the growing threat of cybercrime," he said.

He was responding to Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan (PN-Kota Bharu), who asked whether the government would amend outdated laws and impose heavier penalties, including caning, on scammers following RM2.97 billion in cybercrime losses recorded in 2025.

The Dewan Rakyat passed the Cybercrime Bill 2026 on July 1.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had said the legislation included safeguards against abuse, with investigative powers subject to checks and balances and established legal procedures. - NST

3 cars, 3 motorcycles buried in Kajang landslip

 No casualties were reported in the incident this evening.

One of the cars affected by the landslip in Kajang this evening. (APM pic)

PETALING JAYA:

Three cars and three motorcycles were buried in a landslip along Jalan Nilam 2, Kajang, this evening.

However, no casualties were reported, Berita Harian reported.

The incident occurred at around 5pm.

A Hulu Langat district civil defence team went to the scene to inspect and monitor the area.

Authorities confirmed that the landslip did not affect any homes.

Police and Kajang Municipal Council officials are inspecting the area to ensure there are no further landslips. - FMT

Kawasan risiko lubang benam wajib dinilai, kata KPKT

 Keputusan itu demi pastikan aspek keselamatan awam dan risiko geologi diberi perhatian sejak peringkat awal.

Mesyuarat Majlis Perancang Fizikal Negara (MPFN) memutuskan pemeriksaan utiliti usang di kawasan berisiko lubang benam dilaksanakan sebelum perancangan dilulus oleh PBT. (Gambar JKR)

PUTRAJAYA:

Penilaian teknikal dan pemeriksaan utiliti usang di kawasan berisiko berlaku lubang benam perlu dilaksanakan sebelum sebarang kelulusan pembangunan diberikan oleh pihak berkuasa tempatan (PBT).

Kementerian Perumahan dan Kerajaan Tempatan (KPKT) memaklumkan perkara itu diputuskan pada Mesyuarat Majlis Perancang Fizikal Negara (MPFN) Ke-51, dipengerusikan Perdana Menteri Anwar Ibrahim.

“Pendekatan ini penting bagi memastikan aspek keselamatan awam dan risiko geologi diberi perhatian sejak peringkat awal perancangan pembangunan,” menurut KPKT menerusi kenyataan.

KPKT memaklumkan mesyuarat itu turut menggesa kerajaan negeri memperkasakan penyediaan tanah lapang awam berkualiti serta mempercepat proses pewartaan bagi menjamin akses rakyat kepada ruang rekreasi yang selamat, selesa dan mudah dikunjungi sekali gus menggalakkan gaya hidup sihat serta memperkukuh interaksi dalam komuniti.

Kementerian itu memaklumkan mesyuarat berkenaan turut meluluskan Rancangan Fizikal Negara Kelima (RFN5) dan Dasar Perbandaran Negara Ketiga (DPN3) sebagai hala tuju strategik pembangunan fizikal dan perbandaran negara.

RFN5 merupakan dokumen perancangan spatial tertinggi negara yang meliputi Semenanjung, Sabah, dan Labuan hingga 2040, dengan tumpuan antaranya terhadap pembangunan guna tanah mampan, pemeliharaan sumber asli serta peningkatan daya tahan terhadap perubahan iklim dan bencana.

Antara sasaran RFN5 ialah pelaksanaan bandar pintar di 115 PBT, pengekalan sekurang-kurangnya 50% litupan hutan serta penyediaan 1.6 juta hektar tanah berpotensi bagi menyokong pertumbuhan ekonomi negara.

Sementara itu, DPN3 merupakan dasar pembangunan bandar negara sehingga 2035 yang meliputi 203 bandar di bawah 101 PBT di Semenanjung dan Labuan, bagi memastikan pertumbuhan bandar dirancang secara lebih tersusun, inklusif dan mampan, seiring perubahan demografi, ekonomi dan teknologi serta cabaran perubahan iklim.

KPKT memaklumkan MPFN turut mempertimbangkan Draf Rancangan Struktur Putrajaya 2050 yang menggariskan hala tuju pembangunan pusat pentadbiran negara, termasuk sasaran penduduk sebanyak 305,000 orang, penyediaan 83,438 unit rumah, pencapaian status neutral karbon serta pengurusan bandar berteraskan kecerdasan buatan.

Selain itu, mesyuarat turut bersetuju dengan Rancangan Struktur Negeri Perlis 2040 yang menggariskan strategi pembangunan, termasuk pembangunan Pelabuhan Darat Perlis dan Kawasan Perindustrian Lembah Chuping (CVIA), serta pengukuhan kawasan jelapang padi di negeri itu.

“Secara keseluruhannya, keputusan MPFN ke-51 memperkukuh komitmen Kerajaan untuk memastikan pembangunan fizikal dan perbandaran negara dilaksanakan secara terancang, mampan, inklusif, berdaya tahan serta responsif terhadap perubahan masa hadapan, selaras dengan aspirasi Malaysia MADANI,” menurut kenyataan itu. - FMT

Transboundary haze law must take into consideration many factors, says minister

 Natural resources and environmental sustainability minister Arthur Joseph Kurup says these factors include diplomatic implications, and the burden of proof.

Natural resources and environmental sustainability minister Arthur Joseph Kurup said enforcement is challenging when dealing with transboundary laws. (EPA Images pic)

PETALING JAYA:

Any proposed legislation to tackle transboundary haze must consider several factors, including its effectiveness, diplomatic implications, burden of proof, and whether the law could be enforced, the Dewan Rakyat was told.

Natural resources and environmental sustainability minister Arthur Joseph Kurup said these aspects must be considered because enforcement is challenging when dealing with transboundary laws.

“The effectiveness of a law, however, does not rest on its enactment alone, but the ability to gather evidence, carry out an investigation, and fortify laws outside of Malaysia’s jurisdiction,” he said in a parliamentary reply.

He was responding to Khoo Poay Tiong (PH-Kota Melaka), who wanted to know if the government was reconsidering a Transboundary Haze Act or enacting a Clean Air Act following an emergency declared in Serian, Sarawak, last month.

He said transboundary haze was becoming more challenging because of several factors, including climate variability, long dry spells, and agricultural practices.

Last month, it was reported that Kurup’s ministry was looking to draft specific legislation to address transboundary haze, similar to the approach implemented by Singapore.

G Pubadi, the undersecretary of the ministry’s environmental management division, said they were examining the existing mechanisms in Singapore to draft a specific Act to address the haze.

While he did not specify which Singaporean mechanism he was referring to, the republic’s Transboundary Haze Pollution Act 2014 gave it legal powers to act against companies whose activities outside Singapore cause or contribute to haze in the city-state.

On Sept 17, the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) urged the government to enact a Clean Air Act to set legally binding air quality standards and protect public health.

The US enacted a Clean Air Act in 1963 to control air pollution and protect public health and the environment. - FMT

Up to courts to decide on remand or bail, says Saifuddin

 The home minister says decisions are made by the judges or magistrates under applicable laws.

Home minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the government is committed to upholding individual human rights as well as justice. (File pic)

PETALING JAYA:

Courts have the discretion to decide whether an accused person should remain under detention or be granted bail while awaiting the conclusion of their trial, says home minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.

In a written parliamentary reply, Saifuddin said decisions on continued detention or bail in cases in which charges had been filed but trials remained incomplete were made by the court in accordance with applicable laws.

“The home ministry, through the prisons department and the police, always takes seriously the management of remand detainees. The government is committed to upholding individual human rights and the principle of justice under the law.

“On the proposal to review remand periods for protracted cases, the ministry wishes to clarify that the power to fix remand periods falls entirely under the jurisdiction of the judiciary, among others under Section 117 of the Criminal Procedure Code or the relevant special procedural laws.

“For cases where charges have been filed in court but the trial is not yet complete, re-detention or denial of bail (unbailable or non-bailable) is also at the court’s discretion under the applicable laws.”

He added that the police apply for remand based on investigative needs, while the magistrate or judge assesses and decides on a reasonable remand period according to the principle of balancing individual liberty with the interests of criminal investigation.

Saifuddin added that the government remained open to reviewing laws and standard operating procedures to safeguard detainees’ human rights and address overcrowding in prisons.

Among the measures being pursued were the Licensed Prisoner Release Programme, Compulsory Attendance Orders (PKW) and the parole system, which aim to reduce reliance on physical detention.

He was responding to a question from Khlir Nor (PN-Ketereh) about whether the government was prepared to review remand periods for cases that had yet to be decided by the courts.

Khlir said this would uphold justice and human rights, as well as reduce overcrowding in prisons.

Last month, Chief Justice Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh voiced concerns over some accused persons having to wait for more than two years under remand before their cases are heard in court.

In a speech at a recent Johor Bar dinner, he said it was “fundamentally unjust” that an accused person should wait in remand for more than two years before the matter is heard.

Wan Farid said the courts’ delay effectively punished these accused persons before any verdict is delivered, adding that this must not continue.

In August, Sinar Harian reported that an Orang Asli man charged with murder was freed after spending nine years under remand, with his trial still at the prosecution stage. - FMT