BUTTERWORTH: A trader was fined RM70,000 by the Sessions Court, or in default, faces 30 months' imprisonment.
The trader, Loh Kok Keong, pleaded guilty to seven charges of possessing protected wildlife without a licence.
The 46-yearold admitted to keeping 197 ball pythons (Python regius), one Leopard tortoise (Geochelone spp), two Yellow Footed tortoises, two Indian Star tortoises, two Sulcata tortoises, and two Green Iguanas.
Charged under Section 60(1)(a) of the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 (Act 716), the offences were committed inside a Toyota Hilux, a unit at the Pangsapuri Jati and a house at Taman Cengal, all in Butterworth, between 8.40pm on July 16, 2023 and 12.20am on July 17, 2023.
Judge Noor Aini Yusof handed down the sentence after considering both the mitigation by Loh and the prosecution.
"You are sentenced to RM10,000 fine or in default of five months' jail for the first charge, RM30,000 fine or in default of 10 months' jail for the second charge, RM5,000 each or in default of three months' jail for the third and fourth charges, RM4,000 or in default of one months' jail for the fifth charge and RM8,000 each or in default of four months' jail for the sixth and seven charges," she said.
The judge also ordered the return of a Toyota Hilux and two cell phones that were impounded during the investigation at the end of the appeals' case.
Deputy Public Prosecutors from the Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) Nazarudin Kamarudin and Nadzatul Nattassha Mustapa Kamal prosecuted while Loh was represented by counsel Foong Choon Kit.
Foong told the court that his client regretted his actions and vowed not to repeat them.
Foong said his client had demonstrated his remorse by applying for licenses for some of the snakes he owned.
Loh, who runs a small business with an unstable income, also cited family responsibilities, including caring for his elderly parents and supporting his two sons, aged 10 and 15.
Foong also told the court that Loh's mother had just undergone surgery and was in need of medical attention and medication.
Meanwhile, Nazarudin pressed for an appropriate sentence due to the increase in such cases and amendments to the law to provide for heavier sentence.
He said what the accused kept were exotic animals which were not found in the forest here.
This is an asset which should be protected to ensure their sustainability," he said.
He also told the court that the licence for such an animal only cost RM10 annually, which is significantly lower than the fine imposed for an offence committed.