SARIKEI: The Sessions Court here on Monday (July 24) sentenced two friends to eight months in prison and imposing a RM12,000 fine on two counts of cruelty to a protected animal, involving the killing of a sun bear and possessing its meat.
David Morgan, 38, and Lawrance Senabong, 48, pleaded guilty to both charges, which were presented before Judge Stella Augustine Druce.
The first charge, under Section 44(a) of the Wildlife Protection Ordinance (WLPO) 1998, read together with Section 34 of the Penal Code, resulted in each of them receiving a two-month prison term and a RM2,000 fine. Failure to pay the fine would lead to an additional two months of imprisonment.
The second charge, under Section 37(2)(b) of WLPO 1998, read with Section 34 of the Penal Code, led to a six-month prison sentence and a RM10,000 fine for each of them. Failure to pay this fine would result in a four-month prison term.
Both offences took place at around 3pm on May 23 at a palm oil plantation in Matu, Daro, where David and Lawrance were found to have caught and killed a sun bear. The cruel act was recorded on video, which was presented as evidence during the court proceedings.
Prosecuting officer Arvin Khan handled the case while the accused were not represented by legal counsel.
