KOTA KINABALU, Sept 19 — The inquest into the death of 13-year-old Zara Qairina Mahathir was disrupted today after the statement of a student witness was leaked on social media and circulated widely on WhatsApp.

Lawyer Datuk Ram Singh said the leak had exposed the witness’s personal details, including her name, home address and identification number.

He added that a TikTok video had also revealed the names of all five accused child offenders.

“I spoke to the witness and her mother this morning, and I don’t think she is ready to testify today. She is scared after what happened and was in tears when I met her. Her mother was also emotional,” he said.

Coroner Amir Shah Amir Hassan then adjourned the hearing, sternly reminding all parties to respect confidentiality and protect the identities of minors involved in the proceedings.

“I would like to issue another reminder to the public. Once there is a leakage or disruption, this is what happens, and now the witness is intimidated by the actions of irresponsible parties.

“I have advised Ram to lodge a police report immediately and let authorities take action. I remind everyone again not to disrupt proceedings. I’m so disappointed but there’s no other choice here,” said Amir Shah.

He added that the inquest would hopefully continue on Monday with the same witness.

Ram, who is representing the first child witness — Zara Qairina’s good friend and alleged bully — said the exposure was damaging for his client but expressed optimism it would not affect the outcome of the inquest and the upcoming trial.

“It is not right, and it has caused unnecessary trauma. We have laws to protect child witnesses, and this kind of exposure undermines the whole process. I feel sorry for them going through this,” he said.

He also said Zara’s mother had been left “perturbed and upset” by online comments about her daughter and the leaked testimony.

Zara’s mother’s lawyer, Shahlan Jufri, likewise condemned the exposure of the minors and urged the public to act with sensitivity.

“We have been saying all this while that all the gatherings be postponed because we don’t want it to impact the inquest. This is an example of such disruptions. Child witnesses are fragile and there are specific laws to protect them,” he said.

Proceedings will resume on Monday in camera, with arrangements made for the student to testify from a separate room in line with the Child Evidence Act.

Zara was found unconscious in a drain beside her hostel at SMKA Tun Datu Mustapha in Papar in the early hours of July 16. She was taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Kota Kinabalu, where she died the next day from her injuries.