Cover image via Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp for the latest stories and breaking news.
UPDATE:
PJ Court Sentences Zayn Rayyan's Mum To 5 Years In Jail
The mother of 6-year-old autistic boy Zayn Rayyan Abdul Matiin was found guilty today, 31 October, of neglect resulting in physical harm to her son on 6 December 2023
Petaling Jaya Sessions Court Judge Dr Syahliza Warnoh ruled that the prosecution had proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt against 30-year-old Ismanira Abdul Manaf.
Ismanira, dressed in a cream long-sleeved blouse and black skirt, broke down in tears in the dock upon hearing the verdict. Her husband, Zaim Ikhwan Zahari, 30, who was seated in the public gallery, covered his face with his hands, according to the New Straits Times.
Before sentencing arguments could begin, the judge adjourned the session to give the defence time to prepare a mitigation submission seeking a reduced sentence.
Zayn Rayyan was reported missing on 5 December 2023 after Ismanira picked him up from school around noon
His body was discovered the following day in a stream about 200m from their home at Block R, Apartment Idaman, Damansara Damai.
Zayn Rayyan died from ligature strangulation and showed multiple signs of physical abuse, including cuts on his ears and injuries to his anus, according to a forensic pathologist.
Both parents were initially charged under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001, which makes it an offence for a person responsible for a child to neglect them in a way likely to cause physical injury.
However, after hearing the prosecution's case, the judge ordered Ismanira to enter her defence but acquitted Zaim Ikhwan.
She was accused of committing the offence between 12pm on 5 December and 9.55pm on 6 December 2023, around the apartment block and the nearby stream.
She faces up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to RM50,000, or both
A total of 28 prosecution witnesses took the stand during the trial, including: Faizul Najib Abd Munaim, who found Zayn Rayyan's body; Siti Aminah Nor Mad Ali, the boy's special education teacher; Siti Natrah Ismail, a neighbour; Dr Rohayu Shahar Adnan, a forensic medical consultant; and two child witnesses aged 10.
Several police officers also testified, including photographers, members of the Bukit Aman K9 Detection Unit, investigating officers Nina Syamimi Syamsuddin and ASP Nor Zaharuddin Sanip, as well as senior investigating officer DSP Mohd Hafizee Ismail.
