KOTA KINABALU: Arrangements can be made to provide extra protection for witnesses in the Zara Qairina Mahathir inquest should there be such requests, say the city police.
“However, we have not received any request for extra protection,” said Kota Kinabalu OCPD Asst Comm Kasim Muda.
Last Friday, forensic pathologist Dr Jessie Hiu lodged a police report after receiving online threats following her testimony in the inquest.
Following this, police have beefed up patrols in her residential area to ensure her safety.
A 61-year-old retiree was taken into custody in Semporna on Sunday after allegedly threatening Dr Hiu.
Zara Qairina, 13, died at the hospital on July 17, a day after she was found unconscious in a drain near her school dormitory in Papar near here.
Five teenagers have been charged at the Kota Kinabalu Children’s Court on Aug 20 for making threatening, abusive or insulting words against Zara Qairina.
