Ismanira Abdul Manaf, 30, admitted, however, that she did not check the garden area where the six-year-old autistic boy was later found dead in a stream.

The garden is located just metres from Block R of the apartment block where the family resided.

During cross-examination by deputy public prosecutor Raja Zaizul Faridah Raja Zaharudin, Ismanira said she first searched for her son on all four floors of Blocks R, E, and S after Zayn went missing at about noon on Dec 5, 2023.

She said her husband, Zaim Ikhwan Zahari, 30, later joined in and searched all 19 blocks of the apartment complex.

The couple also went to several nearby premises, including Zayn’s school, a petrol station, a fast-food restaurant, and Ismanira’s workplace.

Raja Zaizul challenged Ismanira on why she failed to search the area closest to their home.

Raja Zaizul: Would you agree that all these places are farther from Block R compared with the garden?

Ismanira: Agree.

Raja Zaizul: So do you agree that you searched places far from home but not the area right beside Block R?

Ismanira: By area, you mean the garden?

Raja Zaizul: Yes.

Ismanira: Agree.

Ismanira and Zaim were charged last year with neglecting Zayn in a manner likely to cause him physical harm.

The offence allegedly occurred at PJU Damansara Damai between noon on Dec 5, 2023, when the boy was said to have gone missing, and 9.55pm the following day, when his body was discovered in a stream near his home at Apartment Idaman.

Zaim has since been acquitted, while Ismanira was ordered to enter her defence.

Lawyers Haresh Mahadevan, Ramzani Idris and Lavanesh Haresh represented the accused.

Raja Zaizul, Aqharie Durranie Aziz and Nur Sabrina Zubairi appeared for the prosecution.

The trial before judge Syahliza Warnoh continues.