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THE remains of 13-year-old Zara Qairina Mahathir, exhumed on Saturday from the Islamic Cemetery in Tanjung Ubi, Sipitang, arrived at Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) in Kota Kinabalu at 10:30pm under police escort.
Her mother, Noraidah Lamat, 45, remained by her side throughout the journey from Sipitang, in what is now a closely followed case drawing national attention.
According to the family’s lawyer, Hamid Ismail, a computed tomography (CT) scan was scheduled for last night, with the full post-mortem examination set for 9am today.
“I asked pathologist Dr Jessie Hiu how long the autopsy would take, but she said it was uncertain,” he told reporters at the hospital grounds.
“If all goes well, it could be completed tomorrow and the body returned for immediate reburial.”
Earlier, during the exhumation process, Hamid noted that Noraidah remained composed upon seeing her daughter’s remains.
Large crowds gathered outside the hospital from 7pm, while medical and security personnel stood guard at the main entrance to the radiology department.
The exhumation was ordered by the Attorney General’s Chambers to facilitate a thorough post-mortem and further investigation into the case, ensuring all aspects are properly examined.
Amani Azral, the Rawatib Imam of Masjid Haji Hashim in Pekan Sipitang, who witnessed the exhumation, confirmed that the body appeared “intact and in good condition” despite being buried since 17 July.
“Many of us saw it ourselves – the police, officers from JHEAINS Sipitang, an imam, and even representatives from JAKIM,” he told Berita Harian.
The exhumation process, which began at 6.04pm, concluded at 7.31pm and proceeded without incident. It was witnessed by Zara’s parents, their legal representative, and Magistrate Wan Farrah Farriza Wan Ghazali.
Speaking from the cemetery, Zara Qairina’s grandfather, Hasim Tua, 83, expressed his hope that justice would be served for his granddaughter.
“Though she was quiet, Zara was diligent in her religious studies and never missed her prayers,” he said.
“Our last meeting was on her birthday last year. That memory has become my last with her.
“My hope is for this process to proceed smoothly and for the evidence to support a thorough investigation so that she receives the justice she deserves,” he told Harian Metro. - August 10, 2025
