KOTA KINABALU: Blood stains found on several exhibits including papers tendered to the Chemist Department were mainly from Zara Qairina Mahathir, the Coroner’s Court hears.
Chemist Nor Airdora Saedon, 52, said the items with the stains were papers and a glass bottle.
She testified that while DNA results showed the blood stains were that of Zara’s, it could not be conclusively proved that the items with her DNA belonged to her.
She said her duty as a chemist was to test for DNA and other related analysis, but not to determine whether certain items belonged to the person whose DNA was found on it.
Nor Airdora said this to Coroner Amir Shah Amir Hassan when reading out her witness statement yesterday, as the inquest into Zara’s death continued.
She also informed the court that it was not possible to determine who the other possible individuals were as the only DNA specimen received for comparison was Zara’s bone fragments.
Nor Airdora said she conducted two tests – “DNA surih” (meaning DNA fingerprinting or profiling) and on blood samples – with different categories of specimens.
She said DNA surih could be obtained from sweat or saliva and could have been left intentionally or unintentionally from touching, talking and other forms of contact.
She said using Zara’s bone as a guide or specimen of comparison to determine one’s DNA was conclusive in the case, adding that she received 37 exhibits from investigating officer Insp Wong Yew Zhung on Aug 11.
Counsel Datuk Ram Singh, representing the first accused, asked Nor Airdora how the blood drops could have been caused or ended up on the paper.
“I apologise. For my safety, I cannot answer this question,” she said, explaining that she was a chemist and not a medical doctor.
Nor Airdora also declined to comment when Ram asked whether such blood stains could have occurred when a person used a ‘barcode’ injury to drip the blood on paper or any surface.
(A barcode injury is a type of injury which involves deliberately cutting parallel lines into one’s skin).
“I cannot answer. It would be unprofessional of me if I answered,” she said.
The inquest continues in camera today with the next child witness to be called to testify.
Zara was found unconscious on the ground of her hostel building in Papar on July 16 and died a day later in hospital.
Five girls have been charged for hurling abusive words against their hostel mate and are awaiting trial.
