High Court Grants Zaim Ikhwan Unconditional Custody Of Younger Son

SHAH ALAM, May 20 (Bernama) -- The High Court here today granted unconditional custody of the younger sibling of the late autistic child, Zayn Rayyan Abdul Matin, to his biological father.

Zaim Ikhwan Zahari, 31, was seen holding back tears as Judge Suriyati Hasimah Mohd Hashim also allowed his appeal to set aside the 14 conditions and bond previously imposed by the Magistrate's Court here on Nov 21, 2025.

In her ruling, Suriyati Hasimah said the court allowed the appeal, filed on Nov 26, 2025, after reviewing all documents as well as written and oral arguments from both parties.

"The order issued by the Magistrate on Nov 21, 2025, is set aside. The RM2,000 bond and additional conditions imposed by the Magistrate for a period of three years are also set aside," she said.

She also informed that the respondent may file an official appeal if dissatisfied with the decision, and the court will provide its grounds of judgment for that purpose.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Nurul Aida Mat Rifin appeared for the prosecution as the respondent, while Zaim Ikhwan was represented by lawyer Lavanesh Haresh Mahadevan. 

On Nov 21, 2025, the Magistrate's Court ordered that the seven-year-old child be returned to his father's care after 18 months under the custody of his great-aunt and the Social Welfare Department (JKM).

However, the court at that time imposed 14 strict conditions. These included ensuring that the child, who also has autism, is never left without adult supervision and that he receives appropriate education and therapy.

The biological father was required to fulfil these educational and therapy obligations, and the family was required to live at the address stated in the court order, with any intention to move reported to JKM.

Meanwhile, Lavanesh welcomed today's decision and hoped the appeal against the prison sentence handed to Zaim Ikhwan's wife, Ismanira Abdul Manaf, would also succeed, allowing the family to reunite. 

On Oct 31, 2025, Zayn Rayyan's mother was sentenced to five years in prison by the Petaling Jaya Sessions Court after being found guilty of neglecting  Zayn Rayyan, which resulted in physical injury to him.

Judge Dr Syahliza Warnoh ruled that the defence had failed to raise a reasonable doubt on the case against Ismanira and sentenced her accordingly.

The court ordered her to serve the sentence immediately, along with a two-year good behaviour bond with one surety and RM3,000 deposit.

-- BERNAMA