
Defence closes case in Zayn Rayyan neglect trial, verdict set for Oct 31
Defence counsel Haresh Mahadevan informed the court that no further witnesses would be called following the testimony of child psychologist Dr Noor Aishah Rosli. Judge Dr Syahliza Warnoh set September 8 for written submissions, September 22 for oral replies, and October 31 for the final verdict.
Ismanira was ordered to enter her defence on July 21 after the prosecution established a prima facie case. She testified over three days, maintaining her innocence.
Dr Noor Aishah testified that WhatsApp messages exchanged between Ismanira and her husband were normal expressions of frustration from a mother caring for an autistic child. She stated, 'From a psychological perspective, these should not be viewed as an intention to commit a crime. If you ask anyone, it's common for messages to a spouse to contain harsh words, but without any intent behind them.'
She described the messages as emotional venting rather than evidence of abuse, adding, 'I find these kinds of conversations reflect a marital relationship. The language may appear harsh, but it's just surface-level, idle talk meant only to release emotions.'
The prosecution was led by deputy public prosecutors Raja Zaizul Faridah Raja Zaharudin, Aqharie Durranie Aziz, and Nur Sabrina Zubairi. Ismanira's defence team included Haresh Mahadevan, Ramzani Idris, and Lavanesh Haresh.
Zayn Rayyan was reported missing on December 5, 2023, and his body was found the next day near his home at Apartment Idaman, Damansara Damai. An autopsy revealed injuries consistent with self-defence.
Ismanira and her husband, Zaim Ikhwan Zahari, had pleaded not guilty to neglecting their son under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001, which carries a maximum penalty of RM50,000, 20 years' imprisonment, or both. Zaim Ikhwan was earlier acquitted of the charge. - Bernama

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Malay Mail
a minute ago
- Malay Mail
MCMC records statements of trio over video of chicken bones given to homeless man
PUTRAJAYA, Aug 6 — The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has recorded statements from three individuals over a video, widely circulated on social media, showing them handing leftover food to a homeless man, which sparked backlash online. In a statement, MCMC said the individuals were called in for questioning, and further investigations were carried out yesterday at the Iskandar Puteri district police headquarters in Johor, where three mobile phones and three SIM cards were also seized to assist in the probe. MCMC said the video was believed to contain extremely obscene content, which had triggered widespread anger and condemnation from netizens while also touching on the sensitivities of Malaysia's multiracial society. The statement added that the case was being investigated under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (Act 588), which provides for a maximum fine of RM500,000, imprisonment of up to two years, or both, upon conviction. A Bernama check on TikTok found that the nearly two-minute video had been uploaded by several account holders. In the video, three local young men are seen placing chicken bones in a rice packet and handing it to a homeless man who was sleeping on the sidewalk. — Bernama


Borneo Post
a minute ago
- Borneo Post
Cops launch dual investigations into death of toddler who fell into Sibu drain
ACP Zulkipli Suhaili SIBU (Aug 6): Police have launched two separate investigations into the death of a two-year-old boy who is believe to have fallen into a roadside drain along Jalan Dr Wong Soon Kai here on Monday night. Sibu police chief ACP Zulkipli Suhaili said one investigation is being conducted under Section 3(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001, for neglect or exposing a child in a manner likely to cause physical or emotional injury, while the second is classified as a sudden death report (SDR). 'Those found guilty under Section 3(1)(a) may face a fine of up to RM20,000, imprisonment of up to 10 years, or both,' he said in a statement yesterday. According to Zulkipli, police received a report from a medical officer at Sibu Hospital at 11.09pm regarding the incident. 'The victim's body was retrieved from the drain by firefighters and sent to Sibu Hospital. He was found wet, pale, and showing no signs of life upon arrival at the Emergency Unit, where he was later confirmed dead,' he said. He added that investigations are ongoing to identify any parties involved. Members of the public with relevant information are urged to contact investigating officer ASP Mohd Adzmei Ahmad at 019-7192529 or the nearest police station. boy drain Jalan Dr Wong Soon Kai fell lead Zulkipli Suhaili


The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
Govt mulls new law to tackle online drug sales
KAJANG: The government is reviewing the need to amend existing laws or introduce a new act to combat the growing trend of drug sales conducted via online platforms. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the matter has been raised at the Cabinet Committee on Combating Drug Abuse, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. 'In the past, this method of selling didn't exist. Now, buyers place orders online, so we need to revisit the legal and regulatory framework to strengthen it,' he told a press conference yesterday after closing the i-Deen recovery programme at the National Anti-Drugs Agency (Nada) headquarters in Kajang. Also present were Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Shamsul Anuar Nasarah, Nada director-general Datuk Ruslin Jusoh, Home Ministry secretary-general Datuk Awang Alik Jeman and Federal Narcotics Crime Investigation Department director Datuk Hussein Omar Khan. Saifuddin said the issue of the sale of drugs online is complex and involves multiple agencies. 'For instance, the supply of drugs falls under the Home Ministry but when transactions occur on digital platforms, it involves the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry. 'If they use e-commerce platforms such as Shopee, detection is relatively easier. But when they operate through social media channels like WhatsApp or Facebook, enforcement becomes more difficult,' he said, adding that the delivery process adds another layer of challenge. He said the trend of selling drugs online is rising and deeply worrying, as these transactions are discreet and harder for authorities to detect. 'We are aware of the issue. That's why the government is currently reviewing existing legislation to ensure it stays relevant with evolving modus operandi.' The Cabinet committee on drug issues meets three times a year, with the most recent meeting held in June. Saifuddin said the proposal to address the issue was tabled during the last meeting as an information paper. 'No decision has been finalised yet. Discussions are ongoing, but our direction is clear – we will either amend current laws or introduce a new act specifically to tackle online drug transactions.' theSun had earlier reported that the Magic Mushroom liquid – laced with synthetic drugs – is being sold online for as low as RM1 per drop, making it easily accessible to youths and first-time users. Saifuddin also said Nada aims to achieve an 80% recovery rate among drug addicts receiving treatment at its centres. 'Currently, recovery rate stands at 79%. The agency is targeting 80% by next year.' Earlier, in his speech, Ruslin said the i-Deen programme is part of Nada's ongoing rehabilitation efforts. The event featured three competitions – Quran memorisation (hafazan), Quran recitation (tilawah) and nasyid – involved patients from Nada treatment centres nationwide. 'The rehab process at Nada is continuous. The programme aims to produce religious role models among recovering addicts, helping to prepare them for reintegration into society.'