KUCHING, July 6: The Sessions Court here fined a hawker RM5,000 for possessing 214 turtle eggs without permission.
Osman Bakran, 54, pleaded guilty to the charge.
Judge Dayang Ellyn Narisa Abang Ahmad sentenced him to a fine of RM5,000 or in default 2 months in jail.
The accused requested to pay the fine by instalments but his request was rejected by the judge.
He was charged with possessing 214 turtle eggs (Chelonidae) without permission from the authority by a team from Sarawak Forestry Cooperation (SFC) Kuching at Pasar Tamu Kubah Ria on September 7, 2019, at about 9.45am.
Turtles are a totally protected animal under Part 1 of the First Schedule of the Wild Life Protection Ordinance 1998.
Osman was charged under Section 29(1) of the Wild Life Protection Ordinance 1998 which is punishable under Section 29(1)(C) of the same Ordinance.
DPP Hisyamudin Roslan prosecuted while the accused was unrepresented by counsel. — DayakDaily
