Kota Kinabalu: The Coroner’s Court on Friday heard that Zara Qairina Mahathir became the subject of suspicion among her classmates after a student claimed she had lost RM20, although a classroom spot check found no evidence of theft.
Teacher Mohd Sham M Nasir, 27, told the coroner that he had repeatedly advised students not to accuse anyone without proof.
Advertisement
Reading his witness statement before Coroner Amir Shah Amir Hassan, the 61st deponent said the incident occurred on July 14, 2025, while he was teaching Zara’s class.
He recalled noticing a female student who appeared distressed and on the verge of tears during the lesson. When asked what was wrong, the student said she had lost RM20 while going to the Science laboratory.
Mohd Sham further testified that he asked the class if anyone knew who had last left the classroom, but received no response. He then conducted a spot check on all students present that day, including Zara.
The checks involved school bags, wallets, and pockets, with female students checked by the assistant class monitor. The process took about 10 to 15 minutes, and no missing money was found.
Mohd Sham said he continued the lesson as normal. However, as he was preparing to leave the classroom, the student who claimed to have lost the money handed him a small piece of paper with the name “Zara” written on it.
“I immediately advised the student not to make accusations without evidence, but two other students also came to me and supported the claim. One student alleged that Zara had been involved in a similar incident previously, while another student, referred to as Student A, claimed she had also lost money before and suspected Zara,” he said.
Mohd Sham said some students remained silent, while others openly discussed the accusation. Although the student who lost the money did not mention Zara’s name, he said he was confident that the two supporting students were aware of the allegation.
He believed Zara, who was seated nearby, could hear the discussion, but said he avoided looking at her to prevent making her feel uncomfortable.
After reciting the closing prayer to end the lesson, Mohd Sham said Zara appeared calm and showed no visible reaction.
He added that as he left the classroom, several students again gathered and accused Zara of stealing, repeating claims that she had “done it before.”
“I once again advised them not to accuse anyone without proof,” he said, adding that he then left for the canteen.
Mohd Sham told the court that he returned to work as usual the following day, July 15, 2025, and left the school at about 1.30pm after completing his duties.
