Sinar Harian reported computer crime investigation unit analyst Zaidi Abu Hassan as saying the messages included “Aku nak rehat pun tak leh” (I can’t even rest when I want) and “Belasah je sampai puas” (beat him until you’re satisfied).

Zaidi, the 25th prosecution witness, was giving evidence at the trial of Zaim Ikhwan Zahari and Ismanira Abdul Manaf, both 30, on charges of neglecting Zayn in a manner that could cause physical harm.

He said the WhatsApp messages were exchanged on June 20, 2023.

He said that on Dec 5, 2023, the day Zayn went missing, the messages sent included information like “Zayn hilang” (Zayn is missing) “dia lari” (he ran off), “lantaklah nak hidup ke nak mati” (up to him if he wants to live or die, and “letih gila aku mencari” (I’m so tired searching for him).

Zaidi said one of the phones that were seized during the investigation was registered under Ismanira’s name, and the other under Zaim’s name.

He said the conversations between “Baby Sayang” and “Manja” were extracted from the two phones and two SIM cards handed to him by the case investigator.

The prosecution was led by deputy public prosecutors Raja Zaizul Faridah Raja Zaharudin and Nur Sabrina Zubairi. Haresh Mahadevan represented both the accused.

Ismanira and Zaim pleaded not guilty at the Shah Alam sessions court on June 13, 2024 to neglecting their autistic son at Damansara Damai between noon on Dec 5 and 9.55pm on Dec 6, 2023.

The charge, under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001, carries a maximum penalty of a RM50,000 fine, up to 20 years in prison, or both, upon conviction.

Zayn was found dead in a stream near his home at the Idaman Apartments 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.

The trial before judge Syahliza Warnoh continues tomorrow.