KUANTAN: Three Vietnamese nationals, including two siblings, have been fined a total of RM128.9mil million and given jail terms ranging from 15 months to 12 years for illegal possession of wildlife parts.
Sessions judge Maimoonah Aid handed down the sentences on Bui Thi Ngan, 56, her brother Bui Van Noi, 48, and a male friend, Bui Van Anh, 38, after finding the trio guilty of the offences on Thursday (Feb 19).
She also ordered that they serve the prison sentences concurrently from the date of their arrest.
The accused will also serve an additional eight years and six months’ jail if they fail to pay the fines.
They were found in possession of nearly 1,000 animal parts of various species, including pangolins, sun bears, striped leopards, black leopards, clouded leopards, Asian elephants, hogs, wild boars, wolves, porcupines, deer and snakes, which are protected under the First Schedule of the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010.
They were jointly charged with committing the offences at a residential premises in Jalan Sungai Lembing, Kampung Sungai Charu, Panching here at 7pm on Nov 15, 2023.
The charges were framed under Section 68(1)(b) and Section 60(1)(b) of the Act, read with Section 34 of the Penal Code for a criminal act committed in furtherance of a common intention. – Bernama
