[UPDATED] Zayn Rayyan murder: Edisi Siasat’s leak draws police attention

KUALA LUMPUR – Police have confirmed that they are looking into Edisi Siasat’s recent Telegram leak of an alleged investigation officer’s report on the probe against the parents of murdered autistic boy Zayn Rayyan Abdul Matiin.

Speaking to Scoop, Selangor police chief Datuk Hussein Omar Khan said that Bukit Aman will soon release a statement addressing this issue, given that the matter, along with other “revelations” by Edisi Siasat, concerns federal-level issues.

“Yes, we are looking into this matter and will issue a statement, maybe at the Bukit Aman (federal) level. 

“This is a national issue, as it appears to involve not only the police force but also other enforcement agencies…therefore, it would be appropriate for Bukit Aman to make a statement on this,” he said today. 

The parents of Zayn Rayyan Abdul Matiin, along with his extended family, have come under public scrutiny since late last night after screenshots of the alleged police report leaked by Edisi Siasat circulated on social media platforms. 

Earlier, it was reported that the family might request additional police protection. 

Hussein said that affected families can request police protection or lodge a police report regarding the alleged report and the public scrutiny they face.  

But ultimately, he said, the decision lies in the police’s findings. 

“They can lodge a police report or make such a request, but we will assess their application to see the seriousness of their claims.  

“We are not obligated to permit such a request unless threats do exist (as they claimed). 

“We will review this request (if it comes). Our priority is the public’s and individuals’ safety, so if they are exposed to threats, then we will do our duty to protect them,” he said. 

Meanwhile, Bukit Aman criminal investigation department director Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain confirmed that the police are investigating Edisi Siasat, according to a TV3 report. 

He was also quoted as saying that the police will seek cooperation with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission to track down those behind the controversial leaks. 

Shuhaily also said he would work with MCMC to prevent the further spread of unverified information that could interfere with the trial of the autistic child.

“I want to stress once again that all matters involving this investigation should come from official sources.

“This is an irresponsible act by the perpetrator. It can disrupt the proceedings, and in the end, we may not be able to get justice for Zayn,” he said in a special press conference in Bukit Aman today.

Yesterday, Zayn Rayyan’s parents, Zaim Ikhwan Zahari and Ismanira Abdul Manaf, were charged with child neglect offences at Petaling Jaya Sessions Court. 

The couple pleaded not guilty and were released with each RM10,000 bail. 

On December 6 last year, the 6-year-old’s body was found at a stream near Idaman Apartments, Damansara Damai. 

A post-mortem indicated that the child was killed, based on injuries found on his neck and body. – June 14, 2024