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THE family of the late Zayn Rayyan Abdul Matiin expressed deep anguish on Friday following the sentencing of his mother, Ismanira Abdul Manaf, to five years in prison for neglecting the six-year-old autistic boy, who died two years ago.
Speaking outside the Petaling Jaya Sessions Court, Zayn Rayyan’s grandfather, Zahari Mohd Reba, 55, said, “The decision has been made, but I want to know the status of Zayn Rayyan’s murder case. Until now, police investigations have not yielded results. The killer is still free out there.”
Zahari added that while the family accepted the court’s ruling, questions over who was responsible for his grandson’s death continue to haunt them.
“We appeal to the authorities to continue investigations transparently and fairly. For the past two years, our family has been wronged and slandered on social media. We remain patient and trust this is God’s will,” he said.
He also revealed that the family is now responsible for caring for Zayn Rayyan’s younger brother, Zahin Mateen, currently under the care of the Social Welfare Department.
“We sincerely request that the department entrust Mateen’s care to us. Whatever happens, we are willing to look after him,” Zahari said emotionally.
The Sessions Court, presided over by Dr Syahliza Warnoh, ruled that Ismanira, 30, was guilty under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001 read together with Section 34 of the Penal Code for neglecting Zayn Rayyan in a manner that could cause physical harm.
She was also ordered to serve a two-year good behaviour bond and 120 hours of community service over six months.
Her husband, Zaim Ikhwan Zahari, 30, was acquitted of the same charge in July after the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case against him.
The boy’s body was discovered on 6 December 2023 in a tributary near their residence in Damansara Damai after he had been reported missing.
The sentencing sparked a tense scene in court as Zaim Ikhwan could not contain his emotions, shouting, “May Allah curse you all!” before being calmed by his father.
Zahari concluded, “We constantly pray to Allah SWT that those who slandered us will face justice. Even if it is not seen in this world, there will be recompense in the hereafter.”
The prosecution in the case was led by Deputy Public Prosecutors Raja Zaizul Faridah Raja Zaharudin, Aqharie Durranie Aziz, and Kamarul Iman Ahmad Sapian, while Ismanira was represented by lawyers Haresh Mahadevan, Ramzani Idris, and Lavanesh Haresh. - October 31, 2025
