ISMARINA Abdul Manaf, 30, - the mother of Zayn Rayyan Abdul Matin has been ordered to enter her defence to charges of neglecting her child.
However, the Petaling Jaya Sessions Court acquitted the boy’s father Zaim Ikhwan Zahari, 30, of the same offence.
This after Judge Syahliza Warnoh ruled that the prosecution had established a prima facie case against Ismanira, but failed to prove the necessary elements against Zaim Ikhwan.
"The court acquits Zaim Ikhwan while Ismanira is ordered to enter her own defence," said the judge.
The quiet courtroom turned emotional as family members cried while hugging each other. The couple also shed tears when they heard the verdict.
The court then offered three options, first, to give a sworn statement from the dock where the prosecution could cross-examine the statement.
Secondly, to give a statement in the dock without taking an oath and the prosecution could not cross-examine the accused's statement or third, to remain silent and not answer the charges.
After consulting with lawyers, Haresh Mahadevan, Ramzani Idris and Lavanesh Haresh, Ismanira took the first option.
On June 13 last year, the couple pleaded not guilty to a charge of neglecting their child at the Sessions Court here.
According to the amended charge, the couple are jointly charged as persons having custody of Zayn Rayyan, 6, for neglecting him in a manner likely to cause physical harm.
The offence was allegedly committed in the area of Block R, Pangsapuri Idaman, Damansara Damai up to the nearby river, between 12 noon, December 5, 2023 and 9.55pm the next day.
The charge was made under Section 31(1)(a) of the Children Act 2001 and is punishable under Section 31(1) of the same act, read together with Section 34 of the Penal Code, which carries a fine not exceeding RM50,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 20 years or both, if convicted.
On December 6, 2023, Zayn Rayyan was found dead in a stream near the Pangsapuri Idaman, Damansara Damai, at 10pm.
The victim was previously reported missing before being found lying about 200 metres from his residential block. – July 21, 2025
