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FIVE teenage girls were charged in the Children’s Court in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, with verbally abusing Form 1 student Zara Qairina Mahathir, who died last month.
The five, whose identities are being withheld as they are below 18, were charged with using abusive words against Zara prior to her death, reported Bernama.
The girls, all under 18, pleaded not guilty after the charges under Section 507C(1) of the Penal Code were read in front of Sessions Court Judge Elsie Primus in closed proceedings today.
According to the charge sheet, the five, acting with common intention, allegedly uttered abusive words at Zara Qairina, which were heard by the victim and could have caused her distress.
The offence was allegedly committed in Papar between 10pm and 11pm on July 15.
The in-camera hearing started at around 9:30am, leading media and the public to leave the vicinity of the courtroom to ensure privacy.
Earlier, a police-escorted vehicle carrying the five juveniles arrived at the Kota Kinabalu Court Complex at approximately 8:45 am under heavy security. The prosecution team entered the courtroom at about 8:30 am.
Representing the family of the deceased was a legal team led by Hamid Ismail, who entered the court at 9:00 a.m. Defence lawyers for the juveniles were also present, including notable counsel Datuk Ram Singh.
Under Malaysian law, cases involving minors are held privately to protect their identities and well-being.
The Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) confirmed that after reviewing investigation papers submitted by the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), charges were brought against several suspects based on the evidence.
“The AGC has examined the investigation papers and decided to charge certain individuals in accordance with the facts and evidence available,” the AGC said.
An inquest will still be held to determine the exact cause of Zara Qairina’s death.
Zara was found unconscious in a drain near her school dormitory on 16 July and died the following day at Queen Elizabeth I Hospital in Kota Kinabalu.
As the court proceedings began, security personnel set up two roadblocks near the court to manage crowds and ensure safety. Media and security officials gathered outside the courthouse from as early as 7 am.
In a statement issued on Monday, the AGC confirmed the juveniles would be charged with bullying involving threats communicated to the late Form One student.
The charges under Section 507C(1) of the Penal Code target the use of threatening or abusive communication.
The five girls will be protected under the Child Act 2001, which includes confidentiality, the right to legal defence, and fair treatment, said Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department for Law and Institutional Reform.
Her remarks came after concerns from the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM), which warned that revealing the identities of the minors could lead to prosecution under Section 15 of the Child Act 2001, punishable by fines of up to RM10,000, imprisonment for up to five years, or both. - August 20. 2025