Zayn’s father Zaim Ikhwan Zahari and mother Ismanira Abdul Manaf, both 29, have been on remand since June 1 to assist in the murder probe under Section 302 of the Penal Code.

Zaim’s lawyer, Fahmi Moin, told FMT the investigating officer had informed him that the couple would be charged this morning.

Meanwhile, Ismanira’s lawyer, Mahmud Jumaat, said he was only informed about the charge today.

“I’m not sure what charge will be levelled on her,” he told reporters at the courthouse.

Yesterday, Mahmud said Ismanira did not confess to the commission of any crime although the police had claimed earlier that she was being  brought before a magistrate to record a “confession” under Section 26(1) of the Evidence Act 1950.

Section 26(1) of the Evidence Act states that no confession made by anyone while under police custody shall be proved as against that person unless it is made in the presence of a sessions court judge or magistrate.

“Ismanira didn’t make a confession. Instead, she provided a statement to the magistrate,” said Mahmud.

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.