[UPDATED] Zayn Rayyan’s grandparents released from police custody

PETALING JAYA – Zayn Rayyan Abdul Matiin’s paternal grandparents, who were arrested by police, have been released on police bail today.

However, they are required to report themselves to the police station every once a month, their lawyer, Fahmi Abd Moin, told reporters today.

He also confirmed that they were released at 2.30pm.

There are no further issues, they were only detained to have their statements recorded by the police to assist in the ongoing investigation into Zayn Rayyan’s death, Fahmi added.

“I’m sure my client, Zayn Rayyan’s grandparents, will comply with police orders to report themselves once a month and will continue to fully cooperate with the police in the search for their grandchild’s murderer.”

Fahmi added that while the grandparents were arrested to assist in an investigation under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder, their release today was conducted in accordance with Section 117 of the Criminal Procedure Code.

Section 117 stipulates police procedures for arresting and detaining suspects, requiring their release within 24 hours to assist in police investigations.

“At first, I was informed that my clients were being taken to the police headquarters. However, when I arrived here yesterday around 3pm, I learned that they had been detained by the authorities.

“After being held for 24 hours, my clients were released under Section 117, and the police did not request to remand them,” he added.

Fahmi, who also represented Zayn Rayyan’s father, Zaim Ikhwan Zahari, in court today, emphasised that the police investigation under Section 302 into Zayn Rayyan’s murder is still ongoing.

Zayn Rayyan’s grandfather, Zahari Mohd Reba, when met by reporters, said that he was treated and fed well while he was in their custody.

“I am grateful to be treated well by the police, they are professional towards me. However, I just want to go home. 

“I’m still wearing yesterday’s clothes; I haven’t had enough sleep, and I just want to go back and rest and see my son and daughter-in-law,” he said.

He also recounts the demeanour of his other grandchild, Zayn Rayyan’s younger brother, who waits eagerly for his family at home.

“He would often peek through the house curtains every evening, hoping to catch sight of his mommy and daddy. Currently, he’s not doing well, he refuses to eat much. I pity my grandson.”

The grandfather also said that he had been kept in the dark about what had transpired in the courthouse this morning, as his phone had been confiscated by police and was returned to him with a dead battery.

However, he appeared visibly relieved and slightly eager to go home and see his family since being detained from yesterday.

Earlier today, Zayn Rayyan’s parents pleaded not guilty to child neglect offences before sessions court judge Syahliza Warnoh. They were released on RM10,000 bail each.

On December 6 last year, the 6-year-old boy’s body was found at a stream near Idaman Apartments, Damansara Damai, some 200m from his house.

A post-mortem indicated that the child was killed, based on injuries found on his neck and body. – June 13, 2024