PAPAR: The sixth day of the inquest into the death of Zara Qairina Mahathir will resume today at the school dormitory where the girl was found unconscious on July 16.
The Coroner’s Court is expected to revisit the scene at 9.30am.
Forensic pathologist Dr Jessie Hiu, the first witness in the 17-day inquest that began on Sept 3, is expected to be present.
On Aug 2, Dr Hiu was called by the police to examine the scene. Her colleague from Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Kota Kinabalu had also volunteered to assist with demonstrations.
Dr Hiu previously presented the findings from her scene investigation on the second day of the proceedings.
The fifth witness, crime investigation officer Maidon Bernadus, testified on the fourth and fifth days of the inquest about his team’s simulations using a mannequin on Aug 3.
Today, the Coroner’s Court is expected to conduct a new fall simulation at the scene using a different mannequin.
Yesterday, lawyer Joan Goh said the mannequin was selected because it closely resembled the physical build of the deceased, with nearly the same height and weight.
“The court has approved our application to use this mannequin. We will allocate the necessary weight to ensure it reflects real-life circumstances,” she said.
The mannequin, dressed in a tracksuit and a thin T-shirt, weighs approximately 53jg and stands at 154cm tall—closely matching the deceased’s build.
“The simulation will be conducted at the school dormitory block where the deceased was found. Several tests will be carried out to obtain a clearer picture,” Goh told the media after yesterday’s proceedings.
She added that two types of simulations would be performed — one with force applied and one without.
“The purpose is to demonstrate the difference in distance. If the mannequin is pushed, how far would it fall? And if it is released without a push, what would the distance be?” she explained.
The proceedings are expected to continue at the Coroner’s Court in the afternoon with further examination of Dr Hiu.
As of 8.30am, only media representatives and enforcement personnel were present outside the school.
The media were informed yesterday that they would not be allowed to enter beyond the school gate.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
