A senior chemist testified at the Coroner’s Court today that bloodstains found on diary pages belonging to Form One student Zara Qairina Mahathir matched the DNA profile derived from her bone specimen, providing key evidence in the ongoing inquest into her death.
Nor Aidora Saedon, 52, senior director at the Department of Chemistry Malaysia’s Centre for Quality Management and Research in Selangor, told the court that the bloodstains were identified on two sheets of paper, labelled Y1 and Y8, covering two and seven areas respectively. The 17th witness, delivering her statement on the 18th day of the inquest before Coroner Amir Shah Amir Hassan, confirmed that the bloodstains were consistent and matched Zara Qairina’s DNA profile, indicating they originated from the same individual. “The items labelled Y1 and Y8 are complementary to one another,” she explained.
Nor Aidora, with 26 years of experience as a chemist, further testified that a bloodstain on an item labelled WK15(9)(a) and trace DNA from a book labelled WK13 also matched Zara Qairina’s DNA. She clarified that trace DNA results from transfer contact, such as through touch or saliva.
The court heard that a mixed DNA profile, comprising one major female contributor and at least two minor contributors, was found in the bloodstain on area Y8(i) of the Y8 paper, as well as in trace DNA from a stationery bag (WK1(a)), books (WK9 and WK14), and a blanket (WK27). Nor Aidora noted that Zara Qairina’s DNA was the major contributor to this mixed profile, though the identities of the minor contributors could not be conclusively determined.
Exhibit Handling and Analysis Process
Nor Aidora informed the court that on August 11, she received 37 exhibits, including packaged documents, evidence envelopes, and specimen bags containing cotton swabs with suspected bloodstains, nail clippings, and bone samples, all delivered by a police officer. On August 20, an additional evidence bag marked Y8 was received from another officer. She confirmed that all exhibits arrived intact and in satisfactory condition.
“Throughout the analysis process, all exhibits remained under my direct control and were never left unattended,” she testified. “The integrity of the exhibits was maintained, as they were received with their official seals intact, which I personally broke to commence analysis.” After completing the analysis, she re-examined each item, resealed them in their original evidence bags, and applied new seals.
The analysis followed a meticulous four-step process: DNA extraction, DNA quantification, DNA amplification, and DNA electrophoresis, ensuring accurate and reliable results.
Background of the Case
Zara Qairina, a Form One student, passed away on July 17 at Queen Elizabeth Hospital and was laid to rest the same day at the Tanjung Ubi Muslim cemetery in Sipitang. She had been admitted to the hospital a day earlier after being found unconscious near a drain at her school hostel in Papar at 4 am. On August 8, the Attorney General’s Chambers ordered the exhumation of her remains for a post-mortem, followed by the announcement of an inquest into her death on August 13.
