KUALA LUMPUR — The Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) has ordered the exhumation of Zara Qairina Mahathir’s grave to facilitate a post-mortem examination as part of ongoing investigations into her death.
In a statement released today, the AGC highlighted the need for further inquiry by the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) to ensure all angles of the case are fully explored.
“The preliminary investigation report has been returned to the PDRM with additional instructions, including the exhumation of Zara Qairina’s body for a post-mortem. This step is vital to ensure that the PDRM gathers all the necessary information and evidence to complete their investigation,” the statement said.
The request to exhume the body follows calls from Zara’s family’s legal representatives, who urged the police to carry out the procedure to clarify the exact cause of the 13-year-old’s death.
Zara’s mother’s lawyers, Hamid Ismail and Shahlan Jufri, also urged for the case to be overseen by experienced investigators from Bukit Aman.
In an effort to assist the police, Noraidah Lamat, Zara’s mother, submitted her mobile phone, which contained an audio recording of a phone conversation between her and Zara, to the Kota Kinabalu District Police Headquarters (IPD) yesterday. Noraidah also provided a detailed statement to the investigators, which lasted over four hours.
Zara Qairina was found dead after reportedly falling from the third floor of a religious school dormitory in Papar on July 16. Since the incident, various theories, including allegations of foul play and bullying, have been circulating on social media.
Responding to the case, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil warned against relying on social media platforms like TikTok for conclusions about Zara’s death, stressing that content on such platforms can be easily manipulated, including through the use of artificial intelligence (AI).
“We must be cautious with the content we encounter on social media. It may not be true or verified. Even I am sometimes inclined to believe what I see on TikTok, but it is wrong to rely on it as the final judgement. Anyone can create content, including with AI,” Fahmi said.
Fahmi urged the public to place their trust in the official investigation, stating that the truth would emerge through the proper channels. He also expressed sympathy for Zara’s mother’s pursuit of justice.
“As a father, I understand the desire for justice,” Fahmi remarked. “The Prime Minister has assured that anyone found responsible will be held accountable. The Prime Minister will not protect anyone.”
He reassured the public that the investigation is ongoing, with the AGC having returned the case to the police for further action before any decision is made regarding prosecution.
“I urge everyone to remain patient and trust the police to conduct a thorough investigation. Let’s allow them the time to uncover the truth,” Fahmi said
He also reminded the public not to spread false accusations or engage in harmful speculation, noting that making such unfounded claims is itself an offence. – August 8, 2025