PAPAR: SMKA Tun Datu Mustapha implemented several changes to its hostel management and safety procedures following the incident that led to the death of 13-year-old Zara Qairina Mahathir, the Coroner’s Court was told.
School warden Rezany Mohd Taupek, who testified as Deponent No. 51, said the school discontinued the dorm-leader system shortly after the incident.
This was because Forms 1, 2 and 3 students shifted to home-based learning (PDPR), which meant there were no lower-form students remaining in the hostel blocks.
He said the school also made it compulsory for all incidents within the hostel compound to be reported directly to wardens and the school administration to ensure no matter was handled informally or without oversight.
To enhance monitoring, CCTV cameras were installed around the hostel grounds. Rezany said this was among the key steps taken to provide better security and to ensure that any future incidents could be properly reviewed.
He added that after the incident, the school reinforced reporting procedures for hostel-related issues and convened an emergency meeting involving wardens, discipline teachers, counsellors and administrators to address the handling of Zara’s case and to ensure full cooperation with authorities.
Rezany, who handles disciplinary matters for Form 6 male students, said he had “never heard” of bullying cases involving girls prior to the incident, but confirmed a bullying case among male students occurred after Zara’s death and the students involved were suspended.
The inquest continues.
Disclaimer: This information comes from a joint-statement of lawyers of late Zara's family members.
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