Zayn Rayyan case: Defence requests name change after NRD amends birth register

PETALING JAYA: The defence team has asked the Sessions Court here to amend the name of murdered autistic child Zayn Rayyan Abdul Matiin to Zayn Rayyan Zaim Ikhwan in the charge sheet against his parents.

Lawyer Fahmi Abd Moin stated this during Friday’s (July 26) proceedings for mention of the child neglect case involving his clients, Zayn Rayyan’s parents Zaim Ikhwan Zahari and Ismanira Abdul Manaf, both 29.

He said referring to the charge presented by the DPP on June 13, the name of the child as recorded then was Zayn Rayyan Abdul Matiin.

According to him, a decision to correct the birth information had been issued by the Selangor National Registration Department through Ismanira for Zayn Rayyan’s birth register, in which the name was amended.

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“I present a copy of the new birth certificate, which was received on July 4,” he said during the proceedings before Sessions judge Dr Syahliza Warnoh, as reported by Sinar Harian.

DPP Nurul Qistini Qamarul Abrar confirmed that she had received a copy of the birth certificate earlier.

“Since this document was just handed over to the prosecution this morning, we request that updates regarding the amendment be informed at the next proceeding,” she said in the presence of DPP Anis Hakimah Ibrahim.

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After hearing the requests from both parties, Syahliza asked the prosecution to review the matter in case of any changes.

On June 13, the couple pleaded not guilty to a joint charge of neglecting the child, as the custodians of the six-year-old boy, in a manner likely to cause physical injury.

The offence was allegedly committed around Damansara Damai here from noon on Dec 5 until 9.55pm the following day.

The charge, under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001 and punishable under Section 31(1), carries a fine of up to RM50,000 or imprisonment for up to 20 years, or both, upon conviction.