Magistrate Ameera Mastura Khamis also allowed the Selangor social welfare department (JKM) to assess whether Zayn’s grandparents are fit to care for his younger brother, said Haresh.

It is learnt that the protection order is set to expire this month.

Previously, Bernama reported that Zayn’s grand-aunt was granted temporary custody of his younger brother.

Haresh said his clients had requested that the boy be returned to his grandparents as they share a close bond and are familiar with his needs.

“Let’s not forget that the boy is also autistic and requires a certain level of familiarity from those caring for him,” he told reporters here today.

“He shouldn’t be under the care of anyone other than his family members.”

During the proceedings, Haresh said his team strongly objected to JKM’s recommendation to place the child in its safe house, arguing that the boy’s parents or grandparents were the most suitable guardians.

The court then instructed JKM and the lawyers to discuss the matter, leading to an agreement to maintain the boy’s current guardianship for another two months while JKM assesses the grandparents’ suitability during the period.

The court set May 16 to deliver its decision.

Federal counsel Nur Ezzah and Nurul Aida Mat Rifin represented JKM while Haresh and Marcus Lee acted for Zayn’s parents.

On June 13 last year, Zaim Ikhwan Zahari and Ismanira Abdul Manaf, both 30, were charged with neglecting Zayn in a manner that could cause physical harm.

The autistic boy was found dead in a stream near his home at the Idaman Apartment in Damansara Damai a day after he was reported missing.

The post-mortem revealed he had sustained injuries to his neck and body, suggesting that he may have acted in self-defence against the killer.