Gloom settles over Zayn Rayyan’s apartment complex

Waiting for breakthroughs: Media members waiting at Idaman Apartment for new information on the investigation into Zayn Rayyan’s murder. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star

PETALING JAYA: Almost a week since the body of six-year-old Zayn Rayyan Abdul Matiin was found, Idaman Apartment in Damansara Damai here remains eerily quiet.

Press members who were staking out the area from near Block R where the autistic boy lived with his family were told to clear the perimeter as investigations continued.

Neighbours were mostly tight-lipped when asked about the incident, but were hopeful that the perpetrator would be caught.

New Idaman Apartment Residents Association chairman Riduwan Rahmat said some of the residents have been affected emotionally since the incident.

He said most parents were taking extra precautions to protect their children while police investigations were ongoing.

“Parents have taken measures, and at the same time, our residential association through the security and welfare offices are working together with Rukun Tetangga members and the surau to ensure people’s safety,” he said here yesterday.

Riduwan said there were more than 2,400 housing units with about 10,000 people living in the 18 residential blocks there.

He said since last week, the recreational area at the apartment has been very quiet compared with before.

“We don’t deny (that there have been changes here).

“I hope the case will be resolved soon as the parents need to allow their children to go out and play,” said Riduwan, who has been living in the apartment since 2004.

Block S resident Sharul Azvan, 50, said his youngest son, aged six, who goes to the same school as the deceased, has been too scared to leave the house.

He said the boy remains indoors except when he goes to school.

“My youngest son understands the situation. He doesn’t even want to play in front of our house.

“It’s sad to see this and I hope that the investigation can conclude as soon as possible so that our lives can return to normal,” he said.

Another resident, in his 30s, who wanted to remain anonymous, said he hopes the authorities find the suspect soon.

“As a parent, I’m very concerned about the situation.

“It was upsetting to hear the terrible news last week,” he said.

He said his mother-in-law would occasionally bring his three-year-old daughter to the playground.

However, since the case started, they stay indoors and only leave the house when necessary.

“Usually, during weekends or public holidays, we would see kids running around and playing at the playground.

“But last weekend was quiet, maybe most of them stayed in their homes,” he added.

The man said that the police had earlier come to his house as part of the investigation.