{
  "id": 12566076,
  "title": "Mother tells court Zara admitted trying vape out of curiosity",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/07/mother-tells-court-zara-admitted-trying-vape-out-of-curiosity",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-07T06:37:21.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/10/1549675/mother-tells-court-zara-admitted-trying-vape-out-curiosity"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Noraidah Lamat, the mother of deceased Zara Qairina Mahathir, testified in court that her daughter had admitted to trying vaping for the first time out of curiosity. When Noraidah learned that some male pupils had brought vapes to school, she questioned Zara about it. Zara initially denied involvement, but when asked again, admitted to having tried vaping. Initially not angry, Noraidah became slightly upset upon hearing Zara's admission. She advised her daughter about the harmful effects of vaping and explained that she should not try it again. Noraidah did not physically punish or verbally abuse Zara but nagged her about the risks. Zara's reaction was likely amusement, as she may not have fully understood the consequences of vaping. After the incident, Zara returned to her normal behavior and demeanor, even asking about going out or eating at home. Noraidah also shared that Zara had consistently expressed her desire to become a policewoman since the incident.",
  "summary": "KOTA KINABALU: The mother of the late Zara Qairina Mahathir knew that her daughter had tried vaping.",
  "key_points": [
    "Zara admitted vaping curiosity, not out of intent",
    "Mother Noraidah learned of male pupils bringing vapes",
    "Zara returned to normal after incident, still aims to be policewoman"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The mother's account of her daughter's admission to trying vaping out of curiosity reveals a parental response that prioritized guidance over punishment, reflecting a potentially supportive dynamic in their relationship.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}