Fahmi Moin, representing Zaim Ikhwan Zahari, said the police would continue their investigation to hunt down the culprit who murdered Zayn.

“Today, (Zayn’s parents) were charged under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001, but the investigation (for murder) under Section 302 of the Penal Code has never stopped,” he told a press conference at the court complex here.

“Police will continue their probe to find out who the real culprit is. This is what the family and community want to know. Whether (the parents) will be charged again under Section 302, that we do not know. It depends on the investigations.”

Meanwhile, Mahmud Jumaat, the lawyer for Zayn’s mother Ismanira Abdul Manaf, said both husband and wife were receiving psychological treatment for depression.

“I believe this is something that could happen to anyone who loses a loved one. So they are receiving treatment,” he said.

Earlier, Zaim and Ismanira claimed trial to neglecting Zayn and exposing him to the risk of physical injury. They were allowed bail of RM10,000 each with one surety.

The charge was framed under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001, read with Section 34 of the Penal Code. They face a maximum fine of RM50,000, up to 20 years in jail, or both, if convicted.

The offence allegedly took place at Jalan PJU 10/1, Damansara Damai, between 12pm on Dec 5, 2023, and 9.55pm the following day.

Zayn was reported missing in Damansara Damai on Dec 5 last year and found dead the next day. The post-mortem revealed multiple injuries, including defensive wounds, while the cause of death was believed to be strangulation.