By Sharika Tasnim
Edited by Izyan Nazihah
Zayn Rayyan | Source: New Strait Times
SELANGOR, 10th June 2024: Six months after the brutal murder of six-year-old Zayn Rayyan Abdul Matiin, his parents have been arrested, casting a new light on a case that had deeply unsettled the community of Damansara Damai. The couple, both 28, were apprehended by the Serious Crime Division (D9) of the state Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Puncak Alam, Kuala Selangor, at approximately 10:05 a.m. on Friday.
Selangor police chief Comm Datuk Hussein Omar Khan confirmed the arrest, stating, “They were arrested based on intelligence and leads gathered since the start of the investigation until now.” The couple has been remanded for seven days until June 7 to assist with the ongoing investigation into their son’s murder under Section 302 of the Penal Code.
The investigation is still in the remand period | Source: The Star
Comm Hussein mentioned that any decision to revisit the location where Zayn Rayyan’s body was found or his home in Damansara Damai would depend on developments in the investigation. “For now, the police need additional statements from the parents before proceeding further. Whether we go back to the scene will depend on the result of the interrogation,” he added, noting that the motive for the murder is still being determined.
On 5th December last year, Zayn Rayyan, who had autism, was reported missing in Damansara Damai, Selangor. His body was found the next day near a stream about 200 metres from his home at the Idaman Apartment. A post-mortem revealed injuries to his neck and body, leading to the conclusion that he had been killed. During the investigation, police forensic teams combed through the location and surrounding areas. A mass DNA screening collected 228 samples, and witnesses were brought to the scene to aid investigators.
On June 1, 2024, Zayn Rayyan’s parents, clad in orange lockup uniforms, were brought to the Petaling Jaya Magistrate’s Court at about 8:50 a.m. for a remand application. Their lawyer, Mahmud Abdul Jumaat, stated that the parents were shocked by this “new, unexpected development.” He urged the public not to speculate on their arrest and asked for patience and prayers as the family faced the situation.
However, Mahmud announced he would no longer represent the couple, citing the need to focus on other cases. “I hope the case moves forward smoothly,” he said, encouraging respect for the legal process and avoidance of speculation.
In response, the family has appointed a new lawyer, Fahmi Moin, since Monday, June 3. “I was officially appointed yesterday and will be representing the clients at the end of the remand proceeding this Friday,” Fahmi said when contacted on Tuesday.
The arrest and remand of Zayn Rayyan’s parents have rekindled memories of the tragedy in their former neighbourhood. Rashid Patawi, 40, a neighbour, recounted the impact of the incident on the community. “We cannot live in trauma forever; life must go on. At first, I was cautious about letting my children play outdoors, even in the hallway.
“Once other children and the older ones started playing along the hallway, I allowed my children to join them.
“But if the children want to go to the playground, I would accompany them.
“It’s the same for other residents here – I think we began to allow our children to go out freely only in the last two months,” the father-of-six said when met.
Another neighbour, Izzani Mat, 28, mentioned the comforting presence of police patrols in the area, which had helped parents feel safer.
The community remains hopeful that the investigation will bring closure to this heart-wrenching chapter.***
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