High Court Upholds Conviction of Zayn’s Mother

The Shah Alam High Court today upheld the conviction and prison sentence against Ismanira Abdul Manaf, mother of six‑year‑old autistic child Zayn Rayyan Abdul Matin, for child neglect. 

Judge Noor Hisham Ismail ruled that there were no errors in the lower court’s decision after reviewing the appeal records and arguments from both sides.

Zayn Rayyan’s Murder Confirmed by Autopsy

Ismanira, 31, was charged under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001 for neglecting Zayn between December 5 and 6, 2023, in a manner likely to cause physical harm.

Zayn was reported missing on December 5 and found dead the following day near a stream close to his home, with injuries on his neck and body.

A post‑mortem confirmed that Zayn had been murdered, sparking widespread public concern and scrutiny of parental responsibility. The High Court’s decision reinforces the earlier ruling that Ismanira’s neglect contributed to circumstances endangering her son.

The case continues to draw national attention, highlighting both the vulnerability of children with special needs and the importance of strict enforcement of child protection laws.