KUCHING: The Social Welfare Department is currently identifying suitable guardians for Zayn Rayyan Abdul Matiin's younger brother.
Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri (pic) said the court granted the department a temporary guardianship order for Zayn Rayyan's younger brother for two months until Aug 9.
At the same time, the department is carefully selecting candidates who are suitable and have been recommended but this will also be carefully considered.
"It is understood that the sibling is non-verbal, necessitating specialised observation and care under the department's guardianship. Our approach focuses on acknowledging his unique character rather than defining them solely by autism," she said after launching the Autism Empowerment Weekend 2024 hosted by Let'z Play Therapy Centre here on Saturday (June 15).
Nancy emphasised that the department needs to be cautious in identifying caregivers suitable for children exhibiting autism traits.
"The qualified and suitable candidate will undergo a two-week trial period to assess compatibility before final approval. Monitoring will be conducted periodically," she said.
Yesterday, Selangor Welfare director Azmir Kassim said custodianship of the younger brother has also been conveyed to the mother and father, Ismanira Abdul Manaf and Zaim Ikhwan Zahari.
Zaim Ikhwan and Ismanira pleaded not guilty to neglect charges related to Zayn Rayyan, causing physical harm near Jalan PJU 10/1 Damansara Damai from Dec 5 at noon until at 9:55pm on Dec 6.
The charges were filed under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001, which carries penalties outlined in Section 34 of the same code, which is a maximum fine of RM50,000, up to 20 years' imprisonment, or both upon conviction.
Zayn Rayyan, a child with autism, went missing from his home at Apartment Idaman, Damansara Damai on Dec 5 and was found murdered the next day. – Bernama
