Fadhlina orders MOE integrity unit to probe case of Year Four pupil who died after sports event

Education Minister Datuk Seri Fadhlina Sidek speaks as a panellist at the Malaysia MADANI Scholars Forum Series 13 themed “Future Education and the Universities and University Colleges Act (UUCA)” at Dewan Tunku Canselor (DTC), Universiti Malaya in Kuala Lumpur on August 26, 2026. — Bernama pic

First Published: Friday, 28 Aug 2026 8:50 AM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 28 — Education Minister Datuk Seri Fadhlina Sidek has directed the ministry’s Integrity Unit to take further action on a complaint filed by the family of Year Four pupil Nur Qaira Alisha Ahmad Ilwan, who recently died.

She said the action must follow existing rules and be based on principles of justice for all parties.

Fadhlina said she was informed that the Kedah State Education Department (JPN) had conducted an investigation into the family’s complaint.

“The Ministry of Education (MOE) takes every matter involving student safety and welfare seriously.

“MOE’s priority now is to ensure the family receives space and support during their loss,” she said in a Facebook post yesterday.

Fadhlina also expressed her condolences to the parents and family of Nur Qaira, praying that they find strength, patience, and fortitude during their bereavement.

According to media reports, Nur Qaira had suffered from a heart condition since she was three months old and was exempted from participating in school sports activities.

Her parents alleged that a teacher instructed the pupil to participate in a running event during sports house selection on April 15 despite the school having received a medical letter about her health condition.

Nur Qaira was reportedly admitted to Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital on April 24 after severe vomiting and swelling around her eyes. She was then diagnosed with heart failure due to decompensated dilated cardiomyopathy.

Nur Qaira subsequently passed away at the hospital. — Bernama