Kota Kinabalu: A 42-year-old man was charged with having a live pangolin, which is a protected animal, without permit.
Victor Lembertius pleaded not guilty before Sessions Court Judge Noor Hafizah Mohd Salim, to the charge against him, Thursday.
He is accused of having the Malayan pangolin (Manis Javanica) without valid authorisation under the Law Enforcement of the Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997.
The charge stated that pangolin is a fully-protected animal listed under Schedule 1, Part 1, of Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997.
The offence allegedly took place 4.30pm on Nov 16, 2020 at the KM35.5 Jalan Kimanis Keningau, Papar.
The offence under Section 41(2) of the Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997 and punishable under Section 41(4) of the same Enactment, which carries a fine of between RM50,000 and RM250,000 or jail term of between one year and five years, or both, on conviction.
The court set Feb 3 this year for pre-trial case management and released Victor on a bail of RM2,500 in a local surety.
Prosecuting Officer Silvester Saimin appeared for the prosecution while Victor was not represented.
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