A forensic pathologist confirmed in the Petaling Jaya Sessions Court on Tuesday that Zayn Rayyan Abdul Matin, an autistic child, died from strangulation.
Dr Rohayu Shahar Adnan, a forensic medical consultant at Pasir Gudang Hospital, provided this testimony during the trial of Zaim Ikhwan Zahari, 30, and his wife Ismanira Abdul Manaf, 30, who are accused of neglecting their son, leading to physical injury.
Dr Rohayu, the 27th prosecution witness, explained that the cause of death was identified from the post-mortem conducted on December 7, 2023, while she was stationed at Sungai Buloh Hospital. She clarified that strangulation could result from objects like ropes or twisted fabric, rather than suffocation.
According to Dr Rohayu’s testimony, bruising on the neck muscles and thyroid gland of the deceased indicated forceful strangulation, blocking oxygen flow to the lungs and brain. She noted that strangulation marks were visible six centimetres below both ears. The autopsy also revealed blunt and sharp force trauma on the body.
The forensic pathologist stated that foreign objects were found in Zayn Rayyan’s respiratory tract and stomach, with additional bruising on the roof of his mouth, indicating forced insertion of an object. However, she clarified that these objects did not cause death, as it was not a case of choking.
Dr Rohayu also confirmed tears and abrasions around the child’s anus, indicating the insertion of a blunt object. While these injuries were non-fatal, they were a result of physical abuse. She described various other injuries, including bruises on the eyes, forehead, lips, neck, back, chest, and limbs, along with cuts, stab wounds, and slashes on both ears and the back of the head.
These injuries were consistent with blunt and sharp trauma, which Dr Rohayu attributed to physical abuse. She also noted that the injuries were recent, as evidenced by signs of the body’s defensive response visible under microscopic examination. Additionally, there were no defensive wounds or signs of punching or kicking.
The body showed signs of decomposition, with greenish skin, peeling, and a swollen abdomen. Dr Rohayu confirmed that the cause of death was not drowning, as Zayn Rayyan had no contact with water.
Zaim Ikhwan and Ismanira have both pleaded not guilty to a charge of neglecting their son in a manner likely to cause physical injury, at a location near PJU Damansara Damai between 12 noon on December 5 and 9.55 pm on December 6, 2023. The charge, under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001, carries a maximum penalty of a RM50,000 fine or up to 20 years in prison, or both, if convicted.
Zayn Rayyan’s body was discovered in a stream near the Idaman Apartments area in Damansara Damai on the evening of December 6, 2023, after he had been reported missing the previous day. The trial, before Judge Dr Syahliza Warnoh, continues tomorrow.