Zayn Rayyan's parents being treated for depression, says lawyer

PETALING JAYA: Zayn Rayyan Abdul Matiin's parents are undergoing psychological treatment for depression, says their lawyer Mahmud Jumaat.

According to Sinar Harian, the couple - Zaim Ikhwan Zahari and Ismanira Abdul Manaf - had been receiving treatment since the beginning of the murder investigation, before their arrest on May 31.

The couple pleaded not guilty in the Sessions Court to child negligence on Thursday (June 13).

Zayn Rayyan's grandparents who were also arrested during the murder investigation have been ordered to report monthly to the Petaling Jaya police headquarters, according to their lawyer Fahmi Abd Moin.

Zahari Mohd Reba and Hasni Zakaria, who were released on police bail, maintained their innocence and commitment to aiding the investigation.

Zahari said that Zayn Rayyan's younger brother, who is also autistic, had been missing his detained parents.

"Since they (Zayn Rayyan's parents) had been arrested, my wife and I have been looking after him.

"Every evening, Mateen would always look out the window waiting for (his) mummy and daddy to come home," he said after being released on bail.

On May 31, Zayn Rayyan's parents were arrested at Puncak Alam at about 11am and held under remand to assist the police investigation under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder. On Dec 5, last year, Zayn Rayyan was reported missing in Damansara Damai and his body was found near a stream about 200m from his home at the Idaman Apartment the next day.

A post-mortem revealed injuries to his neck and body, leading to the conclusion that he had been killed.

During the investigation, police forensic teams combed the location where the body was found as well as the surrounding areas in Damansara Damai.

A mass DNA screening was also conducted, and 228 samples were collected.

Witnesses, including those who claimed to have last seen the autistic child alive, were also brought to the scene to assist investigators.