Kuala lumpur: A child psychologist testified at the Coroner's Court today, revealing evidence of verbal and cyberbullying against Zara Qairina Mahathir while conducting the teenager's psychological autopsy profile.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr. Noor Aishah Rosli, 51, based her findings on interviews with Zara Qairina's secondary school friends and a review of several documents. The psychologist, with 18 years of experience, reported no evidence of physical bullying but identified verbal bullying, including name-calling, ostracism, and cyberbullying through social media, as significant factors affecting Zara.
During her testimony to Coroner Amir Shah Amir Hassan, Dr. Noor Aishah detailed how Zara was labeled and ignored by peers, with some writing about her on walls. Although she encountered deleted content, which limited access, she confirmed cyberbullying incidents. Zara reportedly confided in her mother about older girls being mean to her, making her feel uncomfortable in social settings like shopping malls and school celebrations.
In response to lawyer Shahlan Jufri's inquiries, representing Zara's mother, Dr. Noor Aishah explained that Zara had positive relationships with friends in primary school, but bullying issues arose in secondary school. She addressed concerns over Zara's diary entries, stating that harsh language towards her mother reflected temporary emotional distress rather than a troubled relationship.
Dr. Noor Aishah emphasized that the separation of Zara's parents was not a contributing factor to her challenges, as she grew up in a supportive environment without witnessing domestic violence. Zara maintained communication with her father through phone and WhatsApp despite his physical absence, which the psychologist noted did not impede her sense of belonging.
Her testimony highlighted that Zara had not been diagnosed with a severe mental illness nor had a history of psychiatric treatment indicating a high suicide risk. Zara Qairina passed away at Queen Elizabeth Hospital on July 17, 2025, after being found unconscious in a drain near her school hostel. The inquest is set to continue tomorrow with Dr. Noor Aishah's testimony.