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By Dorcas Ting
KOTA SAMARAHAN, July 5: The Sessions Court here sentenced a local man to 5 months’ imprisonment and a RM16,000 fine for illegally possessing 850 turtle eggs.
Muhammad Faiq Suandi, 29, from Kampung Tanjung Bundong in Kota Samarahan, stated in court that he plans to appeal today’s decision to the High Court.
Judge Iris Awen Joen then set Muhammad Faiq free on a court bail of RM20,000 with RM2,000 deposited and two local sureties, in addition to ordering him to report to the Forest Department in Kota Samarahan once a month.
In his mitigation, Muhammad Faiq told the court that he is currently experiencing end-stage kidney failure and requires thrice-weekly hemodialysis treatment based on his specific condition.
Based on the charge, Muhammad Faiq was accused of possessing 850 turtle eggs belonging to the Cheloniidae species (a protected species) in a car park at Aiman Mall, Kota Samarahan, on July 28, 2022.
He pleaded guilty to the charge framed under Section 29(1) of the Wildlife Protection Ordinance 1998 and punishable under Section 29(1)(c) of the same act.
The offense carries a maximum penalty of two years’ imprisonment and a fine of RM25,000.
The prosecution was conducted by Deputy Public Prosecutor Mohamad Muhaimin Zakaria and Prosecuting Officer Arvin Khan, while the accused was represented by counsels Osman Ibrahim, Fadzillah Osman, Nur Atiqah Kuliah, and Ernie Natasha Azman. — DayakDaily
