Anwar acknowledges weaknesses in initial handling of Zara Qairina's case

KOTA KINABALU: The step-sister of Zara Qairina Mahathir testified in the Coroner's Court about her emotional distress due to her stepmother's treatment. Malianah Mahathir, 25, recounted her living situation with her father and stepmother from late 2011 to June 2012. Initially, Malianah's father informed her that her stepmother, Noraidah Lamat, was willing to accept them as her children and care for them.

However, Malianah's experience changed when her father was away for work. She claimed that her stepmother became harsh and spoke to her in a disrespectful manner, causing her emotional distress. Malianah was forced to take care of herself, cook, and prepare for school when her father was away. She also had to sleep in the kitchen facing the toilet, despite there being an empty bedroom in the house.

Malianah eventually moved to a hostel and later to live with her biological mother in 2012. She never met Zara, born in 2013, as her stepmother did not allow contact. The last known interaction between Malianah and Noraidah was through Facebook in 2019. Zara was found dead in July 2025; her remains were exhumed in August 2025, and a post-mortem was conducted. Five minors are currently charged for insulting Zara, and the trial is ongoing.