PETALING JAYA: "I heard Ismanira shouting something like ‘Zayn, this is mummy’s fault’."
This was the testimony of the prosecution’s ninth witness, Siti Aminah Nor Mad Ali, 40, who recalled hearing the outburst while visiting Zaim Ikhwan Zahari, 30, and his wife, Ismanira Abdul Manaf, 30, at Idaman Apartments, Damansara Damai, on Dec 6, 2023, to offer support.
During the trial for the neglect of six-year-old Zayn Rayyan Abdul Matin, his special education teacher said that Ismanira’s mother-in-law had tried to comfort her, as she appeared to be in a state of trauma.
"She refused to eat or drink, and at that moment, she suddenly screamed, which startled both the headteacher and me.
"However, I assumed it was due to her overwhelming grief," said Siti Aminah, who has been an educator since 2010, as reported by Sinar Harian.
Responding to questions from Deputy Public Prosecutor Aqharie Durranie Aziz, she stated that the school had handed over Zayn Rayyan’s belongings when they visited his grandparents’ home in Subang Bestari.
"I visited the house to pay my respects and to return Zayn’s belongings, including his certificate and graduation photo, which had been taken earlier.
"We also handed over his clothes, trousers, and disposable nappies that had been left at school," she said.
When asked by the prosecution why disposable clothing and nappies were kept at the school, Siti Aminah explained that each special education student was required to have a spare set provided by parents.
Prosecution: So, on Dec 5, 2023, was Zayn Rayyan wearing a disposable nappy?
Siti Aminah: Yes.
Prosecution: Did the student management assistant change his nappy on that day?
Siti Aminah: As far as I recall, no. Zayn Rayyan rarely urinated or defecated at school, so there was no need to change him that day.
Prosecution: So after he returned home at 12:05pm on Dec 5, he was still wearing the same disposable nappy?
Siti Aminah: Yes.
On June 13 last year, Zaim Ikhwan and Ismanira pleaded not guilty to a charge of neglecting their son, Zayn Rayyan, in a manner that could have caused him physical harm.
The offence was allegedly committed around PJU Damansara Damai between 12pm on Dec 5, 2023 and 9:55 pm the following day.
They were charged under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001, punishable under Section 31(1) of the same Act, 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.
On December 6, 2023, Zayn Rayyan was found dead in a stream near Idaman Apartments, Damansara Damai, at 10pm
Prior to that, he had been reported missing before being discovered lying approximately 200 metres from his residential block.
The trial before Judge Dr Syahliza Warnoh is set to resume at 2:45pm.
