PETALING JAYA: The trial of the parents of autistic child Zayn Rayyan Abdul Matiin has been set for 15 days starting January next year, the Sessions Court has decided.
The trial of Zaim Ikhwan Zahari and Ismanira Abdul Manaf, both 29, on the charge of child neglect will take place from Jan 20 to 24, Feb 3 to 7, and Feb 17 to 21.
Earlier, the court decided that the name of Zayn Rayyan Abdul Matiin would remain on the charge sheet faced by the parents, reported Astro Awani.
Judge Dr Syahliza Warnoh ruled this on Wednesday (Sept 18) following Deputy Public Prosecutor Datin Kalmizah Salleh's statement that the prosecution would not amend Zayn Rayyan’s name to include "bin Zaim Ikhwan."
She said the lawyer representing the child’s parents, Zaim Ikhwan Zahari and Ismanira Abdul Manaf, both 29, had only made a verbal request for the name amendment during previous proceedings.
On June 13, the couple pleaded not guilty to a joint charge of neglecting the child, as the custodians of the six-year-old boy, in a manner likely to cause physical injury.
The offence was allegedly committed around Damansara Damai here from noon on Dec 5 until 9.55pm the following day.
The charge, under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001 and punishable under Section 31(1), carries a fine of up to RM50,000 or imprisonment for up to 20 years, or both, upon conviction.
On Dec 6, Zayn Rayyan was found dead at a stream near Apartment Idaman, Damansara Damai.
A post-mortem found injuries on his neck and body.
