Fresh and deeply disturbing insights have emerged in the tragic death of six-year-old Zayn Rayyan Abdul Matiin, an autistic boy whose body was found in a stream near his home in Damansara Damai in December 2023. Testimony from a forensic expert has painted a harrowing picture of what the young boy endured before his life was brutally cut short.
Read: PDRM Reveals Disturbing Deleted WhatsApp Messages In Zayn Rayyan Neglect Trial
Forensic Testimony Confirms Ligature Strangulation
Forensic medicine consultant Dr Rohayu Shahar Adnan, who conducted the post-mortem at Hospital Sungai Buloh, testified in the Petaling Jaya Sessions Court on 8 April 2025. She confirmed that the cause of death was ligature strangulation — a form of asphyxiation caused by an object being forcibly tightened around the neck.
Dr Rohayu explained that there were symmetrical, overlapping ligature marks located approximately six centimetres beneath both ears. Accompanying bruising to the neck muscles and thyroid gland suggested significant pressure was applied, forcibly cutting off the oxygen supply to Zayn’s lungs and brain.
“The injuries are consistent with strangulation by an item such as a rope, twisted cloth, or lanyard,” said Dr Rohayu, now based at Hospital Pasir Gudang. She firmly ruled out drowning, noting that there were no signs of water in the lungs or respiratory tract.
Widespread Injuries and Apparent Sexual Abuse
The autopsy revealed an alarming number of external injuries, including multiple bruises on Zayn’s face, back, neck, chest, and abdomen. His eyes were swollen, indicating trauma, and his ears showed stab-like wounds. Notably, the forensic team discovered lacerations and abrasions around his anus, indicative of penetration by a blunt object.
“These injuries were not fatal but are strongly indicative of physical and sexual abuse,” said Dr Rohayu. She added that the injuries were consistent with trauma inflicted around the time of death, classifying them as ‘perimortem.’
Additionally, foreign materials were found in Zayn’s right airway and stomach. Bruising on his palate suggested an object had been forcefully inserted into his mouth, although there were no signs of choking or suffocation from these items.
Perimortem Trauma Suggests Sustained Violence
According to microscopic analysis, many of Zayn’s wounds were inflicted just prior to or at the moment of death. Dr Rohayu also noted a “washer woman appearance” on the child’s hands and feet — a sign of prolonged water exposure — but reiterated that this was not evidence of drowning.
The pathologist confirmed that Zayn’s internal organs appeared healthy, and there were no underlying diseases or fatal injuries unrelated to the strangulation. “There were no defensive wounds, suggesting he may have been unconscious or restrained during the assault,” she added.
Anatomy of a Violent End
Among the sharp-force injuries observed were multiple cuts and incisions on Zayn’s left ear, the back of his head, and on his upper and lower right arms. These complemented the blunt-force bruises across his body, painting a grim image of repeated abuse.
The lack of oblique ligature marks — typical in hangings — further supported the theory of direct strangulation. “Hanging produces slanted, uneven marks due to gravity. In this case, the horizontal and symmetrical marks show that force was manually applied,” explained Dr Rohayu.
Legal Proceedings Against the Parents
Zayn’s parents, Zaim Ikhwan Zahari and Ismanira Abdul Manaf, both aged 30, have been charged under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001 for neglecting their child in a way that exposed him to physical harm. The alleged neglect occurred between noon on 5 December and the evening of 6 December 2023, within the vicinity of Block R at Apartment Idaman and the stream where Zayn’s body was discovered.
If found guilty, they face a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment, a fine of RM50,000, or both. The trial, now into its fifteenth day, continues to draw intense public interest and scrutiny.
National Outcry and Demand for Safeguards
The revelations in court have sent shockwaves through Malaysia, sparking renewed debate about child protection laws and the safety of children with disabilities. Advocacy groups and members of the public alike are calling for greater accountability and systemic reform.
As more details come to light, the nation mourns the loss of a young life and demands meaningful action. Zayn Rayyan’s case is a sobering reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by children and the urgent need to ensure they are protected — not just in law, but in daily reality.
Justice for Zayn: A Cry That Must Be Heard
With the trial ongoing, Zayn’s name has become a symbol of a broken system in need of repair. His suffering, now laid bare through forensic evidence, compels society to confront uncomfortable truths — and ensure no other child endures the same fate.
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*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media & various cross-references for context.
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