THE mother of the late six-year-old autistic boy Zayn Rayyan Abdul Matin has been found guilty of child neglect at the Petaling Jaya Sessions Court today.
Judge Dr Syahliza Warnoh ruled that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt against 30-year-old Ismanira Abdul Manaf.
“The defence has failed to raise reasonable doubt,” the judge said as she delivered the verdict. Ismanira now faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of RM50,000, or both.
The case relates to the period between noon on 5 December 2023, when Zayn was reported missing, and 9.55 pm on 6 December 2023, when his body was discovered in a stream near Apartment Idaman in Damansara Damai.
According to the amended charge, Ismanira, as a person with custody of her son, allegedly neglected him in a manner that could have caused physical injury.
Proceedings included mitigation submissions by Ismanira’s counsel and aggravation submissions by the prosecution, led by Deputy Public Prosecutors Raja Zaizul Faridah Raja Zaharudin, Aqharie Durranie Aziz, and Nur Sabrina Zubairi. Ismanira was represented by lawyers Haresh Mahadevan, Ramzani Idris, and Lavanesh Haresh.
Her husband, Zaim Ikhwan Zahari, who was also charged over the alleged neglect, was acquitted in July after the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case against him.
The case attracted significant media attention, with journalists and security personnel gathering at the court from as early as 8 am to cover proceedings in this high-profile matter. On previous occasions, 28 prosecution witnesses had been called to testify between February and April 2024.
Zayn Rayyan’s body was discovered approximately 200 metres from the apartment block where he lived, following reports of his disappearance. The tragedy has prompted a spotlight on the responsibilities of guardians and the legal obligations to protect vulnerable children. - October 31, 2025
