IT has been six months since the nation was rocked by the brutal murder of Zayn Rayyan Abdul Matiin, a six-year-old autistic boy whose body was found in a creek near his home at Idaman Apartment in Damansara Damai, Selangor.
Residents of the apartments have formed a neighbourhood watch to ensure the safety and security of the people in the neighbourhood
Zayn's body was found more than 30 hours after he was reported missing on December 5. A forensic examination found injuries to Zayn’s neck and body. Police believed he was murdered elsewhere before the body was dumped in the creek.
The killer is still at large.
The atmosphere at Idaman Apartment has changed since the incident. Residents said it is not as lively as it used to be.
A member of the Rukun Tetangga told The Vibes that after the murder, a patrol team comprising more than 10 men was formed to guard the area around the clock.
"Team members do not wear uniforms. They act like residents but they are watching the area day and night," said the member, who wished to be known as Ridzuan.
"Everyone was badly affected by Zayn's murder. No one felt safe, and that was why we took the initiative to form our own security unit."
So far, the team has managed to stop thieves from stealing the parcels of residents.
"Our objective is to keep the place safe as we do not want another murder."
A babysitter at Block M of the Idaman Apartment said parents no longer allow their children to roam unattended in the neighbourhood.
"Parents or adults now supervise their kids. Many are scared, and I believe some are still traumatised," said the 36-year-old woman, who did not want to be identified.
Ridzuan said the apartment blocks are now equipped with CCTVs.
"Our MP, Gobind Singh Deo, offered to install CCTVs, but the community has installed its own cameras," he said.
The Vibes learnt that Zayn's parents have moved to Shah Alam.
A family member said that the mother and father had been devastated by the murder and the police's inability to catch the killer.
He said Zayn's father has taken two months; leave from work as he is finding it difficult to move on.
"The mother has stopped answering calls from unknown numbers because she was hurt by so many accusations. She has yet to recover from her loss," said the relative.
On whether the family had received any updates on the case from police, the man said no.
Open case
Selangor deputy police chief Datuk S. Sasikala Devi said police are still working on the case even though the leads have petered out.
"We are investigating and will continue to do so. The file is still open pending any new information," she said.
The case, which was classified as sudden death, was refiled as murder after police found evidence of foul play.
Police have interviewed more than 200 people in connection with the case.
"We have scanned both (apartment) blocks as it is a crowded place," Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain had said. – May 9, 2024.
