Welfare Dept to seek temporary custody of Zayn Rayyan's brother

The Social Welfare Department will apply for temporary custody of Zayn Rayyan Abdul Matiin’s younger brother at the Shah Alam Magistrate’s Court today.

Selangor department director Azmir Kassim said the department would also seek a period of time for them to identify a guardian or a qualified and suitable individual to take care of the child.

“By today we will get the temporary court order to take the child for a (medical) check and such. We will also request for a period of time from the court, maybe a month or two, to look for a guardian or qualified and suitable person to care for the child,” he told Bernama.

Azmir said both the child’s parents, Ismanira Abdul Manaf and Zaim Ikhwan Zahari, had been informed of the matter.

“As a child, he (Zayn’s younger brother) is confused, he doesn’t quite grasp the situation. But so far (he’s) okay, no problems because we’ve placed him in a hospital for a medical check-up first,” he said, adding that the child was well.

Zayn’s parents pleaded not guilty at the Petaling Jaya Sessions Court to charges of child neglect yesterday.

They were charged under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001, which carries a maximum fine of RM50,000 or no more than 20 years in jail, or both.

Zayn was found dead in an area near his residence in Idaman Apartments, Damansara Damai on Dec 6, 2023, after being reported missing the day before.

Request to remove screenshots

In a related development, police said it would submit a request to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to bring down viral screenshots of what are purportedly probe papers on Zayn’s case.

Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain said the police will also track down the party responsible for spreading the screenshots.

“Police are studying the contents of the screenshots. This action is very irresponsible as it can affect the trial, which might see Zayn not getting the justice he deserves,” he said in a special media conference at Bukit Aman today.

He added that all information regarding the Zayn case could only be released by official parties and the public is advised not to believe or share information spread by unscrupulous parties.

“This action does not help anyone, not the prosecution, the police nor the family of the victim, and can affect the hard work of the investigative team,” he said.

When asked to comment on a statement by the victim’s father’s counsel, Fahmi Abd Moin, made yesterday alleging that the investigation under Section 302 of the Penal Code was still ongoing until the real perpetrator was found, Shuhaily stressed that the investigation was completed.

“The investigation on our side has been completed, but investigations can be open again if there is new evidence during the trial and instructions from the prosecution,” he added.

MCMC, police to cooperate

MCMC has similarly been asked to collaborate with the police regarding the circulation of the screenshots.

Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said this action is necessary to curb any speculation among the public and those responsible for circulating the investigation papers could face action.

“We don’t know whether or not the information is true or whether it was fabricated.

“If it’s true, somebody has to explain, and if it’s not true, then those spreading it must face action,” he told reporters after attending the Sembang Santai programme with Pulai constituents today.

The coalition government spokesman also advised the public not to preempt the court in judging the case.

“The matter has been brought to court, and we must give the court space to fulfil its responsibility to adjudicate the case.”

- Bernama

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