PETALING JAYA: A total of 142 photographs related to the case of the late Zayn Rayyan Abdul Matin, including images of the boy wearing a disposable diaper, were submitted as evidence in the Sessions Court as the trial of the boy’s parents began yesterday.
Kpl Mohamad Hirwan Arifin, 45, a photographer from the Petaling Jaya district police headquarters, identified the photographs as he testified in the trial of Zaim Ikhwan Zahari and his wife, Ismanira Abdul Manaf, who are facing charges of neglecting their autistic son.
The witness confirmed the images of the victim’s injuries on various parts of his body, as well as a number of his personal items.
As deputy public prosecutor Kamarul Iman Ahmad Sapian presented the photographs to Kpl Mohamad Hirwan, who is the first prosecution witness, the two accused persons were seen sobbing in the dock.
The proceedings were briefly adjourned when Zaim Ikhwan requested to use the washroom, Bernama reported.
Once the proceedings resumed, Kpl Mohamad Hirwan testified that on Dec 7, 2023, he was instructed by investigating officer ASP Mohd Hafizee Ismail to photograph the victim’s autopsy examination at the Sungai Buloh Hospital.
He said the autopsy photographs were related to a missing person police report lodged in Kota Damansara.
He further stated that on Dec 8, 2023, he received instructions from another investigating officer, Insp Nina Syamimi Syamsuddin, to visit the scene at Apartment Idaman, Damansara Damai, to capture photographs related to the case.
He also submitted photographs taken at the scene, including images of Block R of Apartment Idaman, a storage area, the door of the victim’s residence, and the staircase.
On Dec 13, 2023, he was directed by ASP Mohd Hafizee to photograph the victim’s belongings, including a blue, red, yellow and white bag featuring the letter “S” at its centre as well as a smaller blue and red bag adorned with a cartoon image, along with a green water bottle.
On June 13 last year, Zaim Ikhwan and Ismanira, both aged 30, pleaded not guilty in the Sessions Court to a charge of neglecting their six-year-old autistic son in a manner likely to cause physical harm.
The offence allegedly occurred along PJU Damansara Damai between noon on Dec 5 and 9.55pm on Dec 6, 2023.
They were charged under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act, which is punishable by a maximum fine of RM50,000, imprisonment of up to 20 years, or both, upon conviction.
Zayn Rayyan was reported missing on Dec 5, 2023, and his body was discovered in a stream near his home at Apartment Idaman, Damansara Damai, the following day.
The trial before judge Dr Syahliza Warnoh resumes today.
