By Dawn Chan
PETALING JAYA: All eyes are on the parents of the late Zayn Rayyan Abdul Matin, who will today find out whether they will have to enter their defence or be acquitted of child neglect charges involving their eldest son, who was six when he died in 2023.
Zaim Ikhwan Zahari and Ismanira Abdul Manaf, both 30, arrived at the court complex here at about 8.15am and headed to the complex's café.
They were accompanied by family members, including Zayn Rayyan's grandfather, Mohd Zahari Reba.
Zaim, dressed in a blue shirt, and Ismanira, in an all-black outfit, appeared calm and did not speak to the media, who had been waiting at the steps of the lobby since 8am.
Security at the complex was slightly heightened, with the public barred from parking at the court's parking lot.
Additional security guards were also mobilised in front of the Sessions Court where proceedings before Judge Dr Syahliza Warnoh is expected to start at 9am.
The corridor to the courtroom is cordoned off, and the media is not allowed in yet.
The couple is currently sitting in the waiting area outside the courtroom.
Only about 10 journalists are allowed to follow the proceedings in the open court.
The couple's family members will be allowed in the courtroom but must surrender their handphones and electronic devices before entering.
On March 13, Zaim and Ismanira, as the first and second accused respectively, claimed trial to a joint amended charge of child neglect of Zayn Rayyan.
They are accused of committing the offence from noon on Dec 5, 2023 until about 9.55pm on Dec 6, 2023 around the area of Block R, Apartment Idaman, Damansara Damai up to a nearby stream.
Zayn Rayyan was reported missing from Block R on Dec 5 after his mother fetched him from school at 12.30pm.
His body was found a day later in the stream, about 200m from his home.