← Back to list

Zara's Alleged Bullies Charged

Aug 20, 2025

5 youths in Sabah have pleaded NOT guilty for allegedly bullying Zara Qairina.

They are accused of uttering abusive words towards 13-year-old Zara Qairina, which could have caused her distress. 

Proceedings were held behind closed doors, and a strict gag order is in place, because the accused are minors.  

Zara was found unconscious last month after she allegedly fell from her school’s hostel and died a day later.  

-- 

The Cabinet will soon discuss a proposal to enact specific anti-bullying legislation.  

The Law and Institutional Reform Minister says it's to get feedback from various stakeholders including the Ministries of Education, Higher Education, and Women, Family and Community Development.  

The minister says currently, there is no clear legal definition of bullying...  

And for now, such cases are covered under multiple laws, including the Penal Code, the Online Safety Act, the Sexual Harassment Act, and labor laws. 

-- 

This, as 5 youths have pleaded NOT guilty at a court in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah for allegedly bullying 13-year-old Zara Qairina.  

Zara was found unconscious last month after she allegedly fell from her school’s hostel and died a day later. 

-- 

Astro Audio and RTM's radio division will team up under the banner of KITA FM, to provide a live outdoor broadcast of National Day celebrations in Putrajaya on August 31st.  

After National Day, Astro Audio will organise a KITA FM nationwide Road Tour, that will travel to major cities until Malaysia Day on Sept 16th.