KUCHING – The tragic case of Form One student, Zara Qairina Mahathir, has become the first to be charged under the Penal Code (Amendment) Act 2025, marking a new chapter in Malaysia’s fight against bullying.
The case was brought under Section 507C(1) of the amended Penal Code, which specifically criminalises acts of bullying. The provision, which came into effect on July 11 this year, carries a maximum penalty of one year’s imprisonment, a fine, or both, if convicted.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail told the Dewan Rakyat yesterday that the implementation of the amendments, covering Sections 507B to 507G, has significantly strengthened police powers in handling bullying cases, including cyberbullying.
11 Cases Investigated Since Law Came Into Force
“Since the enforcement and gazetting of this amendment, the police have opened 11 investigation papers involving bullying under the new provisions,” Saifuddin said while winding up the debate on the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) motion for the Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN).
He explained that Zara’s case was the first to be formally charged under the new law, showing that the government’s efforts to update the Penal Code are already producing results.
“This demonstrates clear progress. For example, in Zara’s case which was charged today, it was done under one of the amended sections. This is the first case brought to court since the new law came into effect,” Saifuddin said.
He was responding to a question by Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman (MUDA-Muar), who had earlier criticised delays in police investigations into bullying incidents, particularly in Johor.
Five Teenage Girls Charged in Kota Kinabalu
Earlier, the Kota Kinabalu Children’s Court charged five teenage girls for using abusive language against Zara under Section 507C(1), read together with Section 34 of the Penal Code. The case highlights how the amendment is being applied to hold perpetrators accountable.
The Penal Code (Amendment) Act 2025 and the Criminal Procedure Code (Amendment) Act 2025 were passed in Parliament in December last year, with the aim of providing a more comprehensive legal framework to tackle bullying in schools, workplaces, and online platforms.
Saifuddin: Police Must Act Quickly
Saifuddin stressed that the Home Ministry expects the police to act swiftly in investigating every report of bullying, to ensure justice for victims and their families.
He also urged the public not to spread misleading narratives suggesting that authorities were protecting certain individuals or covering up evidence.
“When I reviewed the chronology and sequence of the police investigation, I saw the seriousness of the team. Many statements were taken, and reports completed. Just because of one claim that the police failed to conduct a post-mortem, it should not overshadow the hard work done,” he said.
He explained that on August 3, Zara’s mother lodged a police report after noticing bruises while bathing her daughter’s body. The next day, police submitted inquest papers to the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC), recommending that Zara’s grave be re-excavated to assist in the investigation.
The Tragic Case of Zara Qairina
Zara Qairina, a 13-year-old student of Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Agama Tun Datu Mustapha in Papar, was found unconscious in a drain near her school dormitory on July 16. She was rushed to Queen Elizabeth I Hospital, Kota Kinabalu, but passed away on July 17.
The case sparked national attention and public outrage, with calls for tougher laws against bullying. Her death became a turning point that accelerated the government’s efforts to strengthen anti-bullying legislation.
Wider Debate in Parliament
Meanwhile, several other ministries also concluded debates on the 13MP motion, including the Ministry of National Unity. The discussions highlighted the government’s commitment to addressing social issues that affect national harmony, with bullying and youth welfare remaining high on the agenda.
The introduction of the Penal Code (Amendment) Act 2025 is seen as a landmark move, giving law enforcement greater authority to protect students and ensure that those responsible for bullying face justice.
With Zara’s case now moving through the courts, Malaysia will be closely watching how the new law is enforced and whether it can provide closure for families and deter future bullying incidents. — Bernama
