Representing Zaim Ikhwan Zahari and Ismanira Abdul Manaf, lawyer Fahmi Moin said the representation was filed on Nov 19, according to Bernama.

On Sept 18, Petaling Jaya sessions court judge Syaliza Warnoh set Dec 6 for case management and an update on the representation, after the defence said it would submit one as soon as possible.

The court has set 15 days for the trial: Jan 20-24, Feb 3-7 and Feb 17-21. Fifteen witnesses are expected to be called.

On June 13, Zayn’s parents pleaded not guilty to a charge of child neglect. If found guilty, they could each face imprisonment of up to 20 years, a fine of not more than RM50,000, or both.

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 on Dec 5 last year. His body was discovered near his home in Apartment Idaman, Damansara Damai, the next day.

A post-mortem revealed multiple injuries, including defensive wounds, while the cause of death was believed to be strangulation.