PETALING JAYA: The Sessions Court here on Monday dismissed the preliminary objection raised by the parents of Zayn Rayyan Abdul Matin, who are facing a charge of neglecting the autistic child in a manner that could have caused physical harm.
Judge Dr Syahliza Warnoh ruled that the charge against Zaim Ikhwan Zahari and Ismanira Abdul Manaf was not defective and was in accordance with legal provisions.
“There is no element in the charge that indicates the accused are denied the opportunity to raise an appropriate defence.
“Therefore, the preliminary objection filed by the defence is dismissed, and the trial will commence at 2pm on Monday (Feb 3),” she was reported saying by Sinar Harian.
On June 13 last year, the couple pleaded not guilty to a charge of jointly neglecting their six-year-old son, Zayn Rayyan, in a manner that could have caused physical harm.
The offence was allegedly committed in the vicinity of PJU Damansara Damai here between 12pm on December 5, 2023, and 9.55pm the following day.
The charge was framed under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001 and is punishable under the same section, read together with Section 34 of the Penal Code. If convicted, they face a fine of up to RM50,000, imprisonment of up to 20 years, or both.
