SHAH ALAM: A Magistrate's Court here has issued a temporary custody order for the younger brother of autistic child Zayn Rayyan Abdul Matin, granting custody to his great-aunt, starting from Friday (Aug 9), reports Malay language daily Sinar Harian.
Magistrate Muhammad Syafiq Sulaiman made the decision following a consultation process between the Social Welfare Department (JKM) and the family lawyer, Nurul Ikrimah Mohd Raya, which lasted for one hour.
Nurul Ikrimah told Sinar Harian that the custody was granted for two months until Oct 4. However, she mentioned that Zayn Rayyan's father, Zaim Ikhwan Zahari, 29, and mother, Ismanira Abdul Manaf, 29, are allowed to visit their child under certain conditions, including spending up to eight hours once a week.
"For therapy sessions, the parents can accompany their child once a month and make video calls at any time without restriction. During visitation periods, the child protection officer (Zaim's aunt) must be present," she said.
She added that Zaim and Ismanira are also required to take the child for special therapy sessions once a month.
Following the decision, the child, who was brought to court, brought joy to Zaim and Ismanira's family, who continuously hugged and kissed the child.
On June 14, Zayn Rayyan's younger brother was placed in a welfare institution for two months after the Social Welfare Department (JKM) obtained a temporary custody order for the five-year-old child at the Magistrate's Court.
Zayn Rayyan was reported missing from his home at Idaman Apartment, Damansara Damai, on Dec 5, 2023, and was found dead the next day.
On June 13, his parents, Zaim Ikhwan and Ismanira, pleaded not guilty to one charge each of neglecting Zayn Rayyan in a manner that could have caused physical injury around Jalan PJU 10/1 Damansara Damai from noon on Dec 5, 2023, until 9.55pm the following day.
The charge is brought under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001 and punishable under Section 31(1) of the same Act, read together with Section 34 of the same code, which provides for a maximum fine of RM50,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 20 years, or both, upon conviction.
In a statement on Friday, Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the child had previously been placed under the custody of the Selangor Welfare Department by a court order as the parents of the late Zayn Rayyan were charged at the Petaling Jaya Sessions Court on June 13 under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act.
"All procedures carried out are solely in the best interest of the child.
"The department will continue to monitor the progress and condition of the children involved during this two-month period.
"I would like to emphasize that human values, justice, and well-being for all, especially children, must always be prioritised," she said.
She also asked the public to report any cases of child abuse and neglect via Talian Kasih 15999, WhatsApp at 019-261 5999 or to the police.
