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Her lawyer has appealed for the sentence to be deferred to protect the wellbeing of her younger child, who also has autism (File pic) - October 31, 2025
The Sessions court has sentenced Ismanira Abdul Manaf to five years in prison, while ordering a two-year good behaviour bond and 120 hours of community service
THE Sessions Court in Petaling Jaya on Friday sentenced Ismanira Abdul Manaf, 30, to five years’ imprisonment after finding her guilty of neglecting her autistic son, Zayn Rayyan Abdul Matin, two years ago.
Judge Dr Syahliza Warnoh also ordered Ismanira to serve a two-year good behaviour bond and complete 120 hours of community service within six months.
The proceedings included a mitigation plea from the defence, requesting that the prison sentence be deferred.
The charge relates to an incident on 5 December 2023 in which Ismanira and her husband, Zaim Ikhwan Zahari, 30, allegedly neglected Zayn Rayyan in a manner that could have caused him physical injury, from their apartment in Blok R, Pangsapuri Idaman, Damansara Damai, extending to a nearby river area.
During the court hearing, Ismanira broke down in tears as her lawyer, Haresh Mahadevan, highlighted the welfare of her younger child, who also has autism and is currently in the care of extended family. The defence argued that imprisonment could severely impact the child’s psychological wellbeing.
“The couple’s second child also has autism, like Zayn Rayyan. Due to this case, Ismanira is only allowed to meet her child for less than 48 hours a week. In fact, when the Social Welfare Department took the child, he cried and clung tightly to his mother, refusing to be taken to another location,” Haresh said.
He added that autistic children often struggle to adapt to sudden changes and may experience depression if separated from their parents without proper emotional preparation.
“According to legal provisions, in cases of this nature, imprisonment is not mandatory, and the court has the discretion to impose a fine,” he noted.
The couple had earlier pleaded not guilty to charges of neglecting Zayn Rayyan, 6, during court proceedings on 13 June last year. - October 31, 2025