PETALING JAYA: A Malaysian court today heard bone-chilling WhatsApp messages between the parents of Zayn Rayyan Abdul Matin, the six-year-old autistic boy found dead last December, as prosecutors allege “extreme neglect” led to the tragedy.
“Stress Sampai Rasa Nak Bunuh Orang Je”
In a packed courtroom, prosecution witness ASP Mohd Zaidi Abu Hassan revealed texts extracted from the parents’ phones under folders named “Baby Sayang” (Darling Baby) and “Manja” (Spoiled). The exchanges, dated months before Zayn vanished, showed one parent writing: “Stress sampai rasa nak bunuh orang je” (So stressed I want to kill someone) on June 20, 2023.
Another message read: “Lantaklah nak hidup ke nak mati” (Let him decide whether to live or die), sent on December 5 — the day Zayn disappeared from their Damansara Damai apartment.
Timeline of Despair
The iPhone and Huawei devices, linked to parents Zaim Ikhwan Zahari and Ismanira Abdul Manaf (both 30), also showed:
“Geram betullah… letih gila aku mencari” (So angry… I’m exhausted searching) — December 5, 2023
“Macam nak bunuh diri je sekarang” (Feel like killing myself now) — October 11, 2023
Prosecutors argue these messages expose a pattern of frustration toward Zayn, who required constant care due to autism.
How the Boy Vanished
Zayn was last seen near Block R of Apartment Idaman at noon on December 5. His body, bearing physical injuries, was discovered by a river the next day. Police allege the parents failed to supervise him adequately, violating Malaysia’s Child Act.
Tech Traces the Truth
ASP Mohd Zaidi, a digital forensics expert, detailed how he recovered deleted WhatsApp chats using XRY tools. The Huawei phone stored contacts as “Ummi” (Mom) and “Ayah” (Dad), while the iPhone used iCloud under Ismanira’s name.
“I analyzed the devices alone in my office,” he testified, noting uninstalled apps like Telegram and WhatsApp Business raised suspicions of evidence tampering.
Community Outrage
Outside court, locals expressed fury. “How could they talk about their child like he’s a burden?” said a neighbor. The case has reignited debates over support for special-needs families in Malaysia.
What’s Next?
If convicted, the parents face up to 20 years in jail or RM50,000 fines. The trial continues as prosecutors push to link the messages to Zayn’s “preventable” death.
