THE verdict in the case of the late Zayn Rayyan Abdul Matin's parents on charges of neglecting their child, which was due to be announced this morning, was temporarily postponed at the PJ Sessions Court.
This was after Deputy Public Prosecutor Raja Zaizul Faridah Raja Zaharudin informed the court that the defence had just filed additional submissions today.
“The prosecution has just received additional submissions from the lawyers this morning in court. In the submissions, it was informed that there were several issues and the prosecution needed to answer the issues raised,” he said.
Judge Dr. Syahliza Warnoh then allowed the prosecution’s application to examine the submission documents and adjourned the proceedings for an hour.
“The court has taken note of this case and allowed the prosecution to examine it,” he said.
During the proceedings, the accused were represented by lawyers Haresh Mahadevan, Ramzani Idris and Lavanesh Haresh.
According to the amended charge, Zaim Ikhwan Zahari and Ismanira Abdul Manaf, both 30 years old, as persons having custody of their child Zayn Rayyan Abdul Matin, who was six years old (at the time of the incident), were jointly charged with neglecting him in a manner likely to cause him physical harm.
The offence was allegedly committed around the area of Block R, Apartment Idaman, Damansara Damai up to the river area near Apartment Idaman, Damansara Damai here between 12 noon, December 5 and 9.55 pm on December 6, 2023.
Therefore, they were charged under Section 31(1)(a) of the Children Act 2001 read together with Section 34 of the Penal Code which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment or a fine of RM50,000 or both, if convicted. – July 21, 2025
