KOTA KINABALU: A geologist was fined RM32,000 for illegally transporting gold concentrate residue to be traded at a gold shop in Raub, Pahang.
Edwin James, 36, who did not have a mineral transport licence, pleaded guilty to committing four counts of the offence at a bus station in Inanam between 2020 and 2022.
Magistrate Lovely Natasha Charles imposed a RM8,000 fine or 18 months' jail for each offence.
James, who was attached to a government-linked company, was convicted under Regulation 6 (5) of the Mineral Development (Licensing) Regulations 2016.
During mitigation, James, who was represented by counsel Chin Tek Ming, asked for a lower fine as he was the sole breadwinner of the family.
Deputy public prosecutor Muhammad Al-Hakim Abdul Razak urged the court to impose an appropriate amount of fine as James had benefited from the illegal activity.
James paid the fine.