Photo credit: S. Nishiki/TRAFFIC
PETALING JAYA: Two friends who initially pleaded guilty to two counts of possessing 50 units of rhinoceros horns without a permit three years ago are now claiming trial.
Mohamad Sukry Wahab and Muhammad Hafiszan Naser, both 29, pleaded not guilty to the charges at the Sepang Sessions Court after the charge was read out to them before Judge Ahmad Fuad Othman on Wednesday (April 24).
On March 21, the duo had pleaded guilty to the charges under Section 68(1)(b) of the Wildlife Conservation Act, which carries a fine of up to RM100,000 and three years in jail.
At that time, the court had set April 24 for sentencing.
Following the change in the plea, the court has now fixed three days in September for trial.
The duo were accused of having committed the offences in a lorry beside the road at a roundabout in KL International Airport, Sepang, at 9.15pm on Sept 9, 2021.
According to the charges, they were alleged to have in their possession 49 units of square-lipped rhinoceros horns (Ceratotherium simum) and one unit of black rhinoceros horn (Diceros bicornis).
Both species were protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act.
The case is being prosecuted by Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan)'s Wan Nur Muhammad Ehsan while Aqeeb Lizalman represented the men.
