SHAH ALAM: The High Court here today granted unconditional custody of the younger sibling of the late autistic child, Zayn Rayyan Abdul Matin, to his biological father.
Zaim Ikhwan Zahari, 31, was seen holding back tears as Judge Suriyati Hasimah Mohd Hashim allowed his appeal to set aside the 14 conditions and bond previously imposed by the magistrate’s court on Nov 21, 2025.
In her ruling, Suriyati Hasimah said the court allowed the appeal, filed on Nov 26, 2025, after reviewing all documents as well as written and oral arguments from both parties.
“The order issued by the magistrate on Nov 21, 2025, is set aside.
“The RM2,000 bond and additional conditions imposed by the magistrate for a period of three years are also set aside,” she said.
She said the respondent may file an official appeal if dissatisfied with the decision, and the court will provide its grounds of judgment for that purpose.
Deputy public prosecutor Nurul Aida Mat Rifin prosecuted while Zaim Ikhwan was represented by lawyer Lavanesh Haresh Mahadevan.
On Nov 21, 2025, the magistrate’s court ordered that the 7-year-old child be returned to Zaim Ikhwan’s care after 18 months under the custody of his great-aunt and the Welfare Department.
However, the court at that time imposed 14 conditions. These included ensuring that the child, who also has autism, is never left without adult supervision and receives appropriate education and therapy.
Zaim Ikhwan was required to fulfil these educational and therapy obligations, and the family was required to live at the address stated in the court order, with any intention to move reported to the Welfare Department.
Meanwhile, Lavanesh welcomed today’s decision and hoped the appeal against the prison sentence handed to Zaim Ikhwan’s wife, Ismanira Abdul Manaf, would also succeed, allowing the family to reunite.
On Oct 31, 2025, Ismanira was sentenced to five years in prison by the Petaling Jaya Sessions Court after being found guilty of neglecting Zayn Rayyan, which resulted in physical injury to him.
Judge Dr Syahliza Warnoh ruled that the defence had failed to raise a reasonable doubt in the case against Ismanira and sentenced her accordingly.
The court ordered her to serve the sentence immediately, along with a two-year good behaviour bond with one surety and a RM3,000 deposit.
This article is sourced from : News Straits Times