PETALING JAYA - The case of Zayn Rayyan Abdul Matiin has been described by residents as a tragic event not witnessed in the housing estate for over two decades.
Zamri Saidin, a Zone 1 Resident Representative Council (MPP) Committee member, expressed disbelief, citing the strong community bonds.
As news circulated about Zayn going missing, numerous residents volunteered to assist in the search.
"I personally participated in the search and was stunned when the police confirmed Zayn's death as a result of murder," he told Sinar when met at the scene.
Bilal Masjid Al-Muhtadin, Mohd Hanafiah Abdul Majid, who had gathered the mosque congregation to aid the search, expressed shock at the discovery of the child's body.
"I was shocked to learn that the deceased had been murdered, even though I thought no human could be horrified to commit such a heinous act.
"I hope the culprit can be arrested immediately because if the suspect is still out there, it will cause residents to fear that the same occurrence would happen again after this," he said.
Meanwhile, Damansara Branch Deputy Head Mohd Ikhsan Md Din pledged to seek the cooperation of local authorities (PBT) and the apartment's Joint Management Body (JMB) to secure risk areas with illumination and fencing for enhanced resident safety.
"I will make an effort to assist the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) in looking into this situation for the benefit of the residents to ensure that this doesn't happen again.
"We are currently attempting to work with the authorities and hope the residents do not make speculations that can cause panic," he added, noting his role as a MBPJ Zone 4 Council member.
Zayn, who was reported missing since noon in Damansara Damai, last Tuesday, was found dead in a stream 200m from his residence, on Wednesday night.
The boy was last seen at his home in Blok R, Apartment Idaman, Jalan PJU 10/1 Damansara Damai, Petaling Jaya at 12pm.
Following that, the body of the child was sent to the Universiti Malaya Medical Centre for post-mortem.
An autopsy revealed injuries to the child's neck and body related to criminal acts, confirming the police's belief that the victim was killed.