Bukit Aman will investigate the spread of the so-called “facts” of the Zayn Rayyan Abdul Matiin murder case on social media, says Comm Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain.
The Bukit Aman CID director said the police were aware of what was posted on a Telegram channel (Edisi Siasat) concerning Zayn Rayyan’s case.
“This is a very irresponsible thing to do as it might disrupt the ongoing trial proceedings.
“Anything involving the Zayn Rayyan investigation must come from official authorities,” he told a press conference at Bukit Aman on Friday (June 14).
He was asked to comment on the spread of information on the case, which went viral on Thursday (June 13).
Comm Mohd Shuhaily said the police will identify and track down those who spread the so-called case facts.
“We will get to the bottom of it.
“Such acts will not assist the prosecution or the families involved in the case.
“In fact, it doesn’t do justice to the sacrifice and hard work of all police officers and personnel investigating the case,” he said.
Comm Mohd Shuhaily said he would seek the assistance of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to take down the social media postings.
Asked to comment on defence lawyer Fahmi Abd Moin’s claim that the investigation under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder was still ongoing until the real culprit was detained, Comm Mohd Shuhaily said the investigation had been completed with the prosecution of Zayn Rayyan’s parents on Thursday (June 13).
“Our part in investigating the case is concluded with the prosecution of Zayn Rayyan’s parents.
“If there is a new revelation during the trial proceedings and the Deputy Public Prosecutor instructs us to investigate further, we will do so,” he said.
On the Welfare Department taking custody of Zayn Rayyan’s younger brother, Comm Mohd Shuhaily said it was a legal and moral responsibility to do so.
“The department has to ascertain the state and condition of the child,” he said.
On May 31, Zayn Rayyan’s parents were arrested at Puncak Alam at about 11am and held under remand to assist the police investigation under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder.
Meanwhile, lawyers for Zayn Rayyan Abdul Matiin’s parents, who are out on bail, have not ruled out requesting additional police protection for their clients.
Lawyer Fahmi Abd Moin, representing Zayn Rayyan’s father Zaim Ikhwan Zahari, said that they are closely monitoring the situation and will consider additional protection if there appears to be any potential threat to his client.
“So far we are monitoring the situation, and if things become serious with possibilities of danger to my client, I will discuss (further) with my client,” Fahmi was quoted as saying.
When asked about the need for additional police protection, Fahmi said it might be necessary due to the high-profile nature of the case.
This follows a leak of purported police investigation papers by whistleblower “Edisi Siasat,” less than 24 hours after the couple pleaded not guilty to negligence charges that could have caused physical injury to their child.
Meanwhile, lawyer Mahmud Jumaat, representing Zayn Rayyan’s mother Ismanira Abdul Manaf, indicated he would consider requesting additional protection for her due to concerns for her physical safety and mental well-being.
“I’m not just worried about her (physical) safety, but also mental pressure.
“She is being shamed in such a manner when we don’t even know the authenticity of the (leaked) investigation papers,” he was quoted as saying.
Mahmud also said that any speculation made after his client has been charged could be seen as contempt of court or sub judice.
On Dec 5 last year, Zayn Rayyan was reported missing in Damansara Damai and his body was found near a stream about 200m from his home at the Idaman Apartment the next day.
A post-mortem revealed injuries to his neck and body, leading to the conclusion that he had been killed.
During the investigation, police forensic teams combed the location where the body was found as well as the surrounding areas in Damansara Damai.
Earlier reports:
June 13, Zayn Rayyan’s parents plead not guilty to child neglect
June 12, Zayn Rayyan’s grandparents arrested in murder probe
June 4, Zayn Rayyan’s grandfather appoints new lawyer for remanded parents
June 1, Murdered autistic boy Zayn Rayyan’s parents arrested