Kota Kinabalu: The mother of Zara Qairina Mahathir told the Coroner’s Court that she was shocked after learning from a hostel security guard that her daughter had been accused of theft.
Testifying before Coroner Amir Shah Amir Hassan, Noraidah Lamat said she was never officially notified of the matter and only found out during a casual conversation at the security post towards late May 2025.
Questioned by counsel Shahlan Jufri, she testified that she immediately rejected the claim because she consistently provided sufficient pocket money, food, and written expense reminders for her daughter.
Noraidah said that when confronted, Zara denied the accusation, suggesting other students shared the same name and maintaining she had no reason to steal.
The court also heard that Zara had previously complained about money going missing from other students at the hostel musolla and cupboards between February and March, during which Noraidah detailed providing between RM50 and RM70 weekly to cover meals, laundry, and emergencies.
