THE defence closed its case today at the Sessions Court after six days of proceedings in the child neglect case involving Ismanira Abdul Manaf, the 30-year-old mother of deceased autistic boy Zayn Rayyan.
The defence's proceedings began on July 21 after Judge Dr Syahliza Warnoh ordered Ismanira to enter her defence after ruling that the prosecution had successfully established a prima facie case against her.
Syahliza, however, acquitted Ismanira's husband, Zaim Ikhwan Zahari, also 30, on the joint charge.
A total of five witnesses testified with Ismanira, 30, appearing as the first defence witness.
This was followed by her father-in-law, Zahari Mohd Reba as the second witness; Zaim's aunt who is also a police officer and Ismanira's good friend, Umi Syafiqah Rohizal, 30.
During the proceedings, defence lawyer, Haresh Mahadevan said they had called five witnesses to defend Ismanira with the last witness being Child Psychologist, Dr Noor Aisyah Rosli, 49.
"The defence has no other witnesses, and we are closing the case today," he said.
"The final decision on the defence case is set for October 31," said the judge.
Apart from Haresh, the accused was also represented by lawyers, Ramzani Idris and Lavanesh Haresh Mahadevan, while the prosecution was handled by Deputy Public Prosecutors, Raja Zaizul Faridah Raja Zaharudin, Aqharie Durranie Aziz and Nur Sabrina Zubairi.
According to the amended charge, Ismanira is alleged to have been a person who had custody of Zayn Rayyan, 6, and neglected him in a manner likely to cause physical harm.
The offence was allegedly committed around Block R, Pangsapuri Idaman, Damansara Damai up to the nearby stream, between noon, December 5, 2023 and 9.55pm, the next day.
The charge was made under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001 and is punishable under Section 31(1) of the same act 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 Pangsapuri Idaman, Damansara Damai, at 10pm.
The victim was previously reported missing, before being found about 200 metres from his residential block. – August 5, 2025
