Zayn Rayyan Abdul Matiin: A Tragic Case of Child Neglect
Prosecution Witness Claims Police Pressure to Implicate Mother
The trial of Ismanira Abdul Manaf and Zaim Ikhwan Zahari Zaim, accused of child neglect in the death of six-year-old autistic child Zayn Rayyan Abdul Matiin, continued today at the sessions court. Nasimah Abu Bakar, a teaching assistant for special needs children, testified that she was pressured by the police to accuse Zayn Rayyan’s mother of child neglect.
Nasimah’s Testimony
Nasimah, the 10th prosecution witness, was testifying under cross-examination by defence counsel Haresh Mahadevan. She said that the police had called her no less than five times to have her statement recorded during their investigation. The investigators also did the same with her superior, Siti Aminah Nor Ali, a teacher to special needs children.
Police Pressure
When questioned by Haresh, Nasimah revealed that the police asked her to implicate Ismanira, Zayn Rayyan’s mother. However, she and her superior, Siti, refused to give false statements. Haresh asked if Nasimah knew that the couple had lost their child and were now facing a serious charge. Nasimah replied that she was aware of the situation.
Police Procedure
In re-examination by deputy public prosecutor Aqrie Durranie Aziz, Nasimah stated that the police did not exert any pressure or threat when calling to record her statement. She emphasized that the police were following procedure and that the statements recorded were part of the investigation process.
Background
Zayn Rayyan was reported missing on December 5, 2023, and his body was discovered in a stream near his home at Apartment Idaman, Damansara Damai, the following day. His parents, Ismanira and Zaim, were charged with child neglect in July last year, six months after Zayn Rayyan went missing.
Charge and Punishment
The offence is alleged to have occurred at PJU Damansara Damai between noon on December 5 and 9.55pm on December 6, 2023. The charge is framed under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001. If found guilty, the duo may be punished by a fine of up to RM50,000, 20 years’ imprisonment, or both, upon conviction.
Conclusion
The case of Zayn Rayyan Abdul Matiin’s tragic death highlights the importance of protecting children and upholding the law. The prosecution’s claims of police pressure to implicate Zayn Rayyan’s mother raise questions about the fairness of the investigation and the handling of the case. The trial will continue on February 17.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is Zayn Rayyan Abdul Matiin?
A: Zayn Rayyan was a six-year-old autistic child who went missing on December 5, 2023, and his body was later found in a stream near his home.
Q: Who are Ismanira Abdul Manaf and Zaim Ikhwan Zahari Zaim?
A: They are the parents of Zayn Rayyan and are accused of child neglect in his death.
Q: What is the charge against Ismanira and Zaim?
A: They are charged under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001 for alleged child neglect.
Q: What is the punishment for the charge?
A: If found guilty, the duo may be punished by a fine of up to RM50,000, 20 years’ imprisonment, or both, upon conviction.