Child Neglect Trial: Witness Testifies She Never Saw Missing Boy Playing in Apartment Complex
A witness has taken the stand in the trial of Ismanira Abdul Manaf and her husband, Zaim Ikhwan Zahari, who are charged with child neglect over the disappearance and murder of their 10-year-old son, Zayn Rayyan Abdul Matiin.
Rashidah Rajali, 37, who lives in the same apartment block as the family, testified that she never saw Zayn Rayyan playing at the playground or in the corridors of their home, despite living in the same block for 10 years.
Witness Describes Chance Encounter with Ismanira
Rashidah, who was examined by deputy public prosecutor Raja Zaizul Faridah Raja Zaharudin, said that she bumped into Ismanira on the staircase of Block R at around 12:15 pm on December 5, 2023, while on her way to send her eldest child to school. Ismanira was going up the stairs, wearing a black headscarf, a white blouse, and either black palazzo pants or a skirt, and was looking down. The two did not speak.
Ismanira’s Statement Recorded by Police
Earlier, a former investigating officer at the Petaling Jaya police headquarters, Nina Syamimi Syamsuddin, 33, testified that Ismanira had given a statement to the police. According to Nina, Ismanira said that Zayn Rayyan had refused to go inside their home upon returning from outside on December 5, 2023, as he wanted to play on the swing. Ismanira claimed that she was climbing the stairs at the time, with Zayn Rayyan walking behind her. She said she was holding shopping bags in both hands and only realized he was missing when she turned around and looked for him.
Investigation Timeline
Nina testified that Ismanira had searched around Block R until 1 pm before contacting her husband to inform him that their child was missing. The police investigation found that Zayn Rayyan’s body was discovered in a stream near his home the following day.
Charges and Penalties
Ismanira and Zaim, both 30, are charged under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001, which carries a maximum fine of RM50,000, imprisonment for up to 20 years, or both, upon conviction.
Conclusion
The trial continues, with more witnesses expected to take the stand to shed light on the circumstances surrounding Zayn Rayyan’s disappearance and murder.
FAQs
- Who are the defendants in the trial?
- Ismanira Abdul Manaf and her husband, Zaim Ikhwan Zahari
- What are the charges against the defendants?
- Child neglect under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001
- What is the maximum penalty for the charge?
- A fine of RM50,000, imprisonment for up to 20 years, or both
- What is the current status of the trial?
- The trial continues, with more witnesses expected to testify.