11yo Malaysian Girl With Heart Condition Dies After Allegedly Being Forced to Run by Teacher

Parents of an 11-year-old student in Kedah have accused a teacher of forcing their daughter to participate in a school running event despite her medical condition.

Nur Qaira Alisha Ahmad Ilwan had been living with a heart condition since she was three months old. According to her family, she had a medical exemption letter that excused her from participating in school sports activities.

However, on 15 April, her parents alleged that a teacher instructed her to take part in a running event held during sports house selection, despite the school having already received documentation regarding her condition.

Nur Qaira was later admitted to Hospital Sultanah Bahiyah, where she subsequently passed away.

The doctor revealed she suffered heart failure

Image Credit: Facebook

In an interview with Malaysiakini, Nur Qaira's mother, Norlela Shaari, said her daughter was admitted to the hospital on 24 April after experiencing severe vomiting and swelling around her eyes.

According to Norlela, she noticed that Nur Qaira appeared extremely exhausted and complained of nausea after returning home from school following the running event.

Medical examinations later revealed that the girl had suffered heart failure due to decompensation associated with dilated cardiomyopathy.

"After the paediatric cardiologist confirmed she had fluid around her heart, which caused her eyes and face to swell, my daughter was not allowed to move around much and had to use a wheelchair. She was only allowed to drink one litre of water to prevent the swelling from recurring."

It was alleged that Nur Qaira’s health deteriorated after the activity, leaving her bedridden and requiring oxygen support before she died last Wednesday.

In a Facebook post, Norlela said her daughter was an active child who loved going to school despite her heart condition.

She also blamed a teacher from the Special Education Integrated Programme (PPKI), alleging that the teacher had forced Nur Qaira to run. Norlela claimed the incident contributed to her daughter's deteriorating health, which eventually left her dependent on an oxygen tank and qualified her as a person with disabilities (OKU).

Investigation into the complaint underway

Nur Qaira's death has drawn widespread attention across Malaysia, with Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek also issuing a statement on the matter.

Image Credit: Utusan

In a Facebook post, Fadhlina said she had been informed that the Kedah State Education Department (JPN) had conducted an investigation into the complaint lodged by Nur Qaira's parents.

"I have also instructed the Integrity Unit to take further action in accordance with existing regulations and laws, based on the principle of justice for all."

Fadhlina also extended her condolences to Nur Qaira's family following the young student's passing.

Meanwhile, the teacher involved in the case has allegedly been transferred to another school pending the outcome of the investigation.

Featured Image Credit: FMT, NST