KUALA LUMPUR: Bukit Aman’s Integrity and Standards Compliance Department (Jips) will take appropriate action on the initial investigating team for the death of Form One student Zara Qairina Mahathir, says Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail.
The Inspector-General of Police, during a press conference at Bukit Aman Friday (Aug 22), was asked to comment on updates to the disciplinary action to be taken on the matter.
“There are several disciplinary actions that we need to study and I have instructed the Jips director to take the appropriate action as per the infractions conducted,” he said.
Previously, Deputy Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay said that Jips will record the statements of the three senior officers who were involved in the preliminary investigation into the death.
He added that the disciplinary investigation against the district police chief, who holds the rank of superintendent; the district criminal investigation division chief, who holds the rank of assistant superintendent; and an investigating officer, who holds the rank of inspector, have begun.
Zara died after she was believed to have fallen from the third floor of her school hostel at SMA Tun Datu Mustafa in Papar, on July 16.
He also added that several individuals have used the case to gain notoriety and fame online, and that had led to a large amount of unverified news being uploaded.
“I am worried when a part of the public that wishes to gain popularity does so by issuing and spreading matters pertaining to the case via short videos and otherwise.
“These actions have led to the wrong perception on the ongoing case,” he said.
On an unrelated matter, the IGP said police investigations into the disapearence of Pamela Ling will require more time.
He added that her last known whereabouts were within Kuala Lumpur but the police have yet to determine her current location.
“However, I am still awaiting the outcome of further investigations. As for her current whereabouts, I believe more time is needed to properly determine where she is,” he said.
On April 9, Ling was summoned to the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya to assist with an investigation under the MACC Act 2009 and the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing, and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act.
However, she reportedly went missing while on her way to the appointment. Her lawyer filed a police report regarding her disappearance on the same day.
So far, no ransom demand had been made in connection with her disappearance.
