KUALA LUMPUR – Three men were sentenced to seven years in prison and fined RM250,000 each by the Kota Tinggi Sessions Court for unlawfully storing the carcass of a female Malayan tiger.
The accused – Md Shaheezam Md Salim, 49, Nazerin Tomiran, 47, and Mohamad Nazrol Tomiran, 28 – pleaded guilty to the charges, local media reported.
They were caught storing the carcass in the boot of a Perodua Alza at a BHPetrol station in Felda Tenggaroh, Mersing, on September 16.
The incident occurred at approximately 6:10 am at the petrol station located at Lot PTD 6179. The Malayan tiger, a species listed as fully protected under the Tenth Schedule of the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010, was found in the vehicle.
The men were charged under Section 70(1) of the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010, which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a fine of RM250,000 for each wildlife specimen or derivative. The charges were also framed in accordance with Section 34 of the Penal Code.
Fatin Hanum Abdul Hadi, the Perhilitan deputy public prosecutor, highlighted that the case was the first of its kind following amendments to the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010, which came into effect on February 1, 2023. She stressed that the case involved public interest, as the Malayan tiger is a national symbol facing extinction.
"The Malayan tiger population is now estimated to be fewer than 150, a sharp decline from around 3,000 in the 1950s. The loss of this iconic species would have a detrimental effect on the ecosystem, as well as the nation's identity and sovereignty," Fatin Hanum said.
She also pointed out that the Malayan tiger is not only featured on the national coat of arms but also serves as a symbol of courage and strength for institutions such as the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF), and Maybank.
"Wildlife like tigers are silent victims of human greed, and therefore, severe punishments must be imposed to serve as a deterrent," she added.
In their mitigation pleas, the accused sought reduced sentences. Md Shaheezam, a driver, appealed for leniency due to his stage four liver cancer and the responsibility of supporting five children. Nazerin, who has kidney disease and supports his wife and four children, also sought a lighter sentence. Meanwhile, Mohamad Nazrol, newly married and suffering from kidney disease, made a similar appeal.
Judge Hayda Faridzal Abu Hasan took the health conditions and family responsibilities of the accused into account, alongside the prosecution's argument regarding the public interest in protecting the Malayan tiger as a national icon.
"The guilty plea is considered in the sentencing, but it does not automatically result in a reduced penalty. After considering all relevant factors, the court has sentenced each accused to seven years in prison and imposed a fine of RM250,000, with a default prison term of seven years in case of non-payment," Judge Hayda Faridzal said.
Earlier in the proceedings, the judge oversaw the identification of key exhibits, including the tiger carcass, the Perodua Alza, and the vehicle keys.
The men were arrested on September 16 after authorities discovered the tiger carcass, believed to have been illegally hunted, in the vehicle. The Bukit Aman Federal Reserve Unit (FRU), in collaboration with Johor Perhilitan, carried out the operation following a public tip-off. - September 23, 2025
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