PETALING JAYA, Oct 31 — The mother of Zayn Rayyan Abdul Matin broke down in tears in the Sessions Court here today as her lawyer pleaded for leniency, arguing that “the real culprit who brutally killed Zayn Rayyan has yet to be brought to justice.”
The court had earlier found Ismanira Abdul Manaf guilty of neglecting her six-year-old autistic son in a manner likely to cause physical injury in December 2023.
Judge Syahliza Warnoh ruled that the defence had failed to raise reasonable doubt against the prosecution’s case.
Following the decision, defence counsel Haresh Mahadevan argued that Ismanira had already endured trauma since Zayn Rayyan’s death, stressing that her younger son, Zahin Mateen — who also has autism — was now under the care of the Social Welfare Department (JKM) in Rembau.
A Shah Alam Magistrates’ Court order issued on May 16 only allows Ismanira to see Mateen twice a week for up to 48 hours.
“Mateen has severe autism and forms deep attachments to his parents.
“The specialist report clearly states separation could trigger severe anxiety and long-term trauma,” Haresh said.
As Haresh described Zahin’s condition, Ismanira wiped away tears before breaking down again, prompting the judge to allow her to sit.
Haresh insisted there was no history of violence or lack of affection towards Zayn Rayyan.
“None of the 28 witnesses testified that she was abusive. All the witnesses said she is a caring person.
“This charge is for neglect that could have caused injury — not for causing harm or death,” he said.
He also highlighted police procedural irregularities, noting that the prosecution had admitted investigations were still ongoing to identify who killed Zayn Rayyan.
‘Public demands justice’: Prosecution pushes for jail
Deputy public prosecutor Raja Zaizul Faridah Raja Zaharudin countered that imprisonment was necessary.
“This was a special-needs child dependent on his mother’s supervision, yet he was left unattended until it led to his death,” she said.
“This tragedy shocked Malaysians who demand justice for Zayn. The court must send a message that neglect of vulnerable children will not be tolerated.”
The prosecution stressed that imprisonment was necessary to send a strong message about child supervision and to prevent similar tragedies.
While acknowledging that the law provides an option for a fine, the prosecution argued that it would be inappropriate given the loss of life.
They urged the court to impose a custodial sentence, saying this case demanded deterrence and accountability.
The prosecution also sought RM10,000 in costs.
In reply, the defence noted that police had confirmed the murder investigation remains open, and that the accused was initially investigated under Section 302 of the Penal Code.
They argued it was unfair to demand RM10,000 without justification or a breakdown of costs.
“While public interest is important, Zahin’s welfare must also be considered, and a fine would suffice to meet the objectives of sentencing,” the defence said, urging the court not to impose imprisonment as it would cause unnecessary trauma to the surviving child.
Zayn Rayyan was reported missing on December 5, 2023, before his body was found in a stream near their apartment the next day. A post-mortem confirmed he died from strangulation.
On June 13, 2024, Zayn Rayyan’s parents — Ismanira and father Zaim Ikhwan Zahari — were charged in the Sessions Court here with neglect under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001, namely neglecting the child in a manner likely to cause physical or emotional injury.
Zaim was later acquitted after the court ruled the prosecution had not established a prima facie case against him, while Ismanira’s trial proceeded.
