Malaysia Ministry of Education investigates death of student with heart condition

The Malaysian Ministry of Education has ordered its Integrity Unit to investigate the death of 11-year-old Nur Qaira Alisha Ahmad Ilwan, a student in Kedah. The investigation follows allegations from the family that the child was forced to participate in a school sports selection run despite having a documented heart condition.

According to the victim's parents, medical documentation regarding her heart condition had been provided to the school. They claim that after being directed by a teacher to participate in the running event on April 15, the student suffered severe exhaustion and nausea. She was hospitalized on April 24 after experiencing severe vomiting and swelling around her eyes. Medical examinations later identified heart failure due to decompensation with dilated cardiomyopathy.

Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek expressed condolences to the family and stated that the ministry is taking the matter seriously, emphasizing the importance of student safety and welfare. The Kedah State Education Department has already conducted an initial investigation into the family's complaint.