A Sessions Court judge freed Zaim Ikhwan Zahari from child neglect charges after prosecutors could not establish sufficient evidence against the father. Judge Dr Syahliza Warnoh determined the case against the 30-year-old man lacked merit at the prosecution stage. His wife Ismanira Abdul Manaf faces continued proceedings and must present her defense on identical accusations. The couple stood trial for allegedly failing to protect their autistic son Zayn Rayyan between December 5 and 6, 2023. Authorities filed charges under the Children Act 2001, which carries penalties up to two decades imprisonment or financial penalties reaching RM50,000.
The mother selected sworn testimony from the witness stand rather than remaining silent or providing unsworn statements. Both parents displayed visible emotion after the court announcement, embracing while relatives offered comfort. Zayn Rayyan disappeared from Idaman Apartments in Damansara Damai before searchers discovered his body in nearby waters. The six-year-old child had autism spectrum disorder.
The mother selected sworn testimony from the witness stand rather than remaining silent or providing unsworn statements. Both parents displayed visible emotion after the court announcement, embracing while relatives offered comfort. Zayn Rayyan disappeared from Idaman Apartments in Damansara Damai before searchers discovered his body in nearby waters. The six-year-old child had autism spectrum disorder.
