THE Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM) has reaffirmed that the safety and welfare of the younger brother of the late Zayn Rayyan remain its foremost priority, following a court decision to return the child to his biological father.
Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the Social Welfare Department (JKM) will continue scheduled monitoring to ensure the child’s well-being is consistently protected.
The biological father, who is now the legal guardian, is subject to 14 stringent conditions, including a prohibition on leaving the child unattended, guaranteeing access to appropriate education, and complying with all recommended therapeutic interventions.
“We can impose conditions, but if they are not followed, it will be evident during our field visits. The child also cannot be featured on social media, and the family must inform JKM of any change of address,” Nancy said. “If any condition is breached, JKM can take the child back into our care.”
She added that there is no fixed duration for the monitoring period, as it will depend entirely on the child’s development and the guardian’s adherence to the imposed conditions.
On Thursday, the Shah Alam Magistrate’s Court allowed the child, who had been under the joint care of an aunt and JKM for the past 18 months, to be placed in the custody of his father, Zaim Ikhwan Zahari.
In a separate development, KPWKM announced new enhancements to its child advocacy module by incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) and natural intelligence (NI) literacy, aimed at protecting children from increasingly complex digital risks.
Nancy said children today are highly exposed to inappropriate content, digital manipulation and online gaming environments that influence their behaviour and decision-making. The upgraded module is supported by strategic cooperation with digital platforms, including TikTok, through initiatives such as the Think Twice Parents campaign to boost digital literacy among families.
“We still lack topics on AI and NI to equip the children we advocate for. Many children now are heavily involved in gaming, and when they play, most are influenced by AI,” she said. “We want to teach them that AI is artificial while they represent natural intelligence. So we are building a team in this country to assist us.”
She explained that the inclusion of AI and NI components will help children recognise risks, understand how digital influence operates and learn how to protect themselves online.
The ministry is also embracing a whole-of-community approach, engaging schools, local communities and parents to ensure that children are guided and safeguarded from rapidly evolving digital threats. - November 22, 2025
