TAWAU: Three Filipinos were sentenced to two years’ jail and fined RM60,000 each in default of a year’s jail for possession of protected animal parts.
Sessions judge Awang Kerisnada Awang Mahmud meted out the sentence on Butlayan Tabiyanan, 19; Kismaru Rismaru, 18; and Abdul Gahni Awan, 19.
The trio pleaded guilty to the charges, which were read in the Bajau language.
They were charged under Section 41(1) of the Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997, which was read together with Section 34 of the Penal Code.
Based on the charge sheet, the three were found in possession of 12 marginal scutes weighing 11.7 kilogrammes; six plastrons (32.8kg); and the sex organs of green turtles (Chelonia mydas) at Ligitan island in Semporna waters at 4.26am on Feb 6.
The undocumented men were busted when marine police, who were conducting patrols, intercepted their boat. An inspection of their vessel uncovered the animal parts.
In his judgment, Awang said severe punishment against the three men is appropriate, as poaching and killing turtles involves the public interest.
He added that based on studies by organisations such as the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), several turtle species are on the brink of extinction due to poaching and trafficking.
“(It) is unlikely (that the) accused were unaware that their actions were wrong, as there have been similar prosecutions in court,” he added.
Silvester Saimin from the Sabah Wildlife Department prosecuted, while the three men were unrepresented.