Petaling Jaya: A police officer testified in the Sessions Court that he used his sweater to cover the body of Zayn Rayyan Abdul Matin, an autistic child found unconscious on a sandy rock in a stream near Apartment Idaman, Damansara Damai. Corporal Mohammad Hunter El Arash Jeanawie Untam, aged 35, detailed the incident during the search operation on the night of December 6, 2023. Upon hearing shouts from the crowd, he discovered Zayn Rayyan's body and immediately attempted to shield it from onlookers.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Corporal Mohammad Hunter recounted the chaotic scene where he, along with others, followed the stream in the dark. He described the urgency of covering the child's body to prevent the public from taking photographs or getting too close. This testimony was part of the ongoing trial against Zayn Rayyan's parents, Zaim Ikhwan Zahari and Ismanira Abdul Manaf, who face charges of neglect.
The officer, attached to the Petaling Jaya Police Station, also testified about an emotional confrontation with a man claiming to be Zayn Rayyan's father. The man expressed grief and anger, demanding to hold his child, which prompted Mohammad Hunter to instruct the crowd to prevent him from approaching the body. The forensic team was informed about the sweater covering the body before proceeding with their investigation.
During cross-examination, defence attorney Haresh Mahadevan questioned the officer about public perceptions regarding the cause of Zayn Rayyan's death. Corporal Mohammad Hunter admitted he was unaware if the crowd believed it to be murder or if Zayn Rayyan's grandfather had informed the father about the child's death.
The court also heard from Siti Natrah Ismail, a resident of the apartment, who mentioned seeing two children in school uniforms on December 5, 2023. However, she was unable to identify them and assumed they had boarded a school van soon after. Her testimony provided context but did not directly connect to the charges against the parents.
Meanwhile, Deputy Public Prosecutor Raja Zaizul Faridah Raja Zaharudin requested special arrangements for the testimony of two child witnesses. The court agreed to conduct their testimonies via live feed to protect their identities, emphasizing the legal consequences for any media outlet that disclosed their details.
Judge Dr. Syahliza Warnoh approved the closed-door proceedings and scheduled a site visit for further witness identification. The trial continues, with significant attention on the charges faced by Zaim Ikhwan and Ismanira. They have pleaded not guilty to neglect charges under the Child Act 2001, which could lead to severe penalties if convicted.
The case began after Zayn Rayyan's body was found on December 6, 2023, a day following his disappearance. A post-mortem suggested murder, revealing injuries consistent with self-defence. The legal process seeks to uncover the circumstances leading to the child's tragic death.