KUALA KANGSAR: A rubber tapper was fined RM12,000 by the Sessions Court here today on three charges of keeping a murai batu (White-rumped shama), barking deer meat (Muntiacus muntjak) and sambar deer meat (Rusa unicolour), three years ago.
Judge Rohaida Ishak imposed the fine on the accused Ahmad Yahaya, 37, after he pleaded guilty to the offences.
On the first count, Ahmad was charged with keeping a Murai batu, scientifically known as Copsychus malabaricus without a special permit, which is fully protected under the First Schedule of the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010.
The offence falls under Section 60(1)(a) of the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 which provides for a maximum fine of RM50,000 or imprisonment for up to two years or both if convicted.
On the second and third counts, he was charged with illegally keeping Muntiacus muntjak and a Rusa unicolor, which are also protected under the First Schedule of the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010.
The second and third offences fall under Section 60(1)(b) of the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 which provides for a maximum fine of RM50,000 or imprisonment for up to two years or both if convicted.
All the offences were committed at a house in Kampung Sira Panas, Bersia Lama at about 7pm on May 25, 2020.
Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) prosecuting officer, Nor Hani Abd Samat prosecuted while the accused was not represented.
During mitigation, the accused pleaded that he be given a light fine, taking into account his income as a rubber tapper and the need to support his child.
Nor Hani asked for an appropriate punishment on the basis that the case involved public interest and served as a lesson to the community.
The judge then set RM4,000 fine for each charge or three months in prison if he fails to pay the fine.