Latest news with #WildlifeConservationEnactment1997
The Star
27-05-2025
- The Star
Filipinos jailed for having green turtle parts
Crime against fauna: The three men were found to be in possession of 865kg of critically endangered green sea turtle parts. KOTA KINABALU: Three foreigners have been sentenced to a year in prison and fined a total of RM660,000 at the Kota Marudu Sessions Court for possessing 865kg of critically endangered green sea turtle parts in Sabah's northern waters off Kudat. The Filipinos – skipper Erwin Monares Comendo, 39, and crew members Rudyzon Darel Infante, 37, and 52-year-old Amel Meniona – pleaded guilty before Kota Kinabalu Sessions Court judge A. Akhiruddin Acho, during a sitting at the Kota Marudu Court yesterday. They were charged under Section 41(1) of the state's Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997, read together with Section 34 of the Penal Code, which provides for five years' jail and a maximum of RM250,000 fine. The judge sentenced each of them to one year imprisonment and a fine of RM220,000 each. If they fail to pay the fine, they would be subjected to an additional eight months' jail term. The three men were arrested on Sept 27, 2023, by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), which found the suspects with green turtle body parts packed inside 39 sacks and 14 boxes on their boat in waters off Simpang Mengayau. The case was investigated by the Sabah Wildlife Department and the accused were charged on Dec 9, 2024. Disclosing the court decision, Sabah Wildlife Department director Mohd Soffian Abu Bakar said the arrest was a result of strategic cooperation between enforcement agencies. 'The Sabah Wildlife Department greatly appreciates the cooperation and swift action of the MMEA in Kudat district, which successfully thwarted an attempt to smuggle turtle parts in Sabah waters. 'This reflects our continued commitment to protecting endangered marine species, especially green turtles,' Mohd Soffian said in a statement.
Borneo Post
26-05-2025
- Borneo Post
Three Filipinos jailed, fined for possessing Green Turtle derivatives
The three Filipinos jailed, fined for possessing Green Turtle derivatives. KOTA MARUDU (May 26): Three Filipinos were each sentenced to one year in jail and fined RM220,000 for possessing green turtle derivatives, with an additional eight months' imprisonment if they fail to pay the fine. Sessions Court judge Akhiruddin Acho handed down the sentence after the trio pleaded guilty to possessing an estimated 865kg of green turtle (Chelonia mydas) derivatives, stored in 39 sacks and 14 boxes. On Sept 27, 2023, Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) officers arrested them in Sabah waters near Simpang Mengayau, Kudat. The case was later transferred to the Sabah Wildlife Department for further investigation and prosecution. The accused — Erwin Monares Comendo, 39; Rudyzon Darol Infante, 37; and Arnel Meniano Getes, 52 — were charged under Section 41(1) of the Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997, read together with Section 34 of the Penal Code, which imposes stricter penalties for possessing fully protected wildlife derivatives.
New Straits Times
26-05-2025
- New Straits Times
Three Filipinos jailed, fined for possessing green turtle parts
KOTA MARUDU: Three Filipinos have each been sentenced to one year in jail and fined RM220,000 for possessing green turtle derivatives, with an additional eight months of imprisonment in default of payment. Sessions Court judge Akhiruddin Acho handed down the sentence after the trio pleaded guilty to possessing an estimated 865kg of green turtle (Chelonia mydas) derivatives, stored in 39 sacks and 14 boxes. On Sept 27, 2023, enforcement officers from the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) apprehended them in Sabah waters near Simpang Mengayau, Kudat. The case was then referred to the Sabah Wildlife Department for further investigation and prosecution. The trio were identified as Erwin Monares Comendo, 39; Rudyzon Darol Infante, 37; and Arnel Meniano Getes, 52. They were charged under Section 41(1) of the Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997, read together with Section 34 of the Penal Code, which provides for heavier penalties for possession of fully protected wildlife derivatives. Sabah Wildlife Department director Mohd Soffian Abu Bakar said the successful prosecution was the result of strategic collaboration between enforcement agencies. "The Sabah Wildlife Department highly appreciates the cooperation and swift action of the Kudat Malaysian Maritime Enforcement officers in thwarting the attempt to smuggle turtle derivatives in Sabah waters. "This success reflects our continued commitment to protecting endangered marine species, particularly the green turtle."
The Star
26-05-2025
- The Star
Three Filipinos sentenced for smuggling green turtle parts in Sabah waters
KOTA KINABALU: Three foreigners were sentenced to a year in prison and fined a total of RM660,000 for possessing 865kg of critically endangered green sea turtle parts in the northern waters of Sabah, off Kudat. The three Filipino nationals, skipper Erwin Monares Comendo, 39, crew Rudyzon Darel Infante, 37, and Amel Meniona, 52, pleaded guilty to possessing the turtle body parts before Kota Kinabalu Sessions Court judge A. Akhiruddin Acho, sitting at Kota Marudu Courthouse on Monday (May 26). The trio were charged under Section 41(1) of the state's Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997, read together with Section 34 of the Penal Code, which provides for a five-year jail term and a maximum RM250,000 fine. The Sessions court judge sentenced each to one year imprisonment and a fine of RM220,000 each. If they fail to pay the fine, they would be subjected to an additional eight months' jail term The three were arrested on Sept 27, 2023, by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), who found the suspects with the green turtle parts packed inside 39 sacks and 14 boxes on their boat in waters off Simpang Mengayau The case was investigated by the Sabah Wildlife Department, and they were charged on Dec 9, 2024. Sabah Wildlife Department director Mohd disclosed the court decision in a statement on Monday. Soffian Abu Bakar said the success resulted from the cooperation between enforcement agencies. 'The Sabah Wildlife Department greatly appreciates the cooperation and swift action of the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency in Kudat District, who successfully thwarted an attempt to smuggle turtle products in Sabah waters,' Soffian said.
Daily Express
18-05-2025
- General
- Daily Express
Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre celebrates Sun Bear Day
Published on: Sunday, May 18, 2025 Published on: Sun, May 18, 2025 By: Winnie Kasmir Text Size: Wong (left) with the sun bear mascot of Visit Malaysia Year 2026. SANDAKAN: Ten years ago on 16 May, Natalie, a female sun bear and the first under the care of the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC) was released back into the wild, thus taking her first steps into freedom. In her honour, this date has been dedicated as International Sun Bear Day, celebrating both her journey and the ongoing efforts to protect this endangered species. Advertisement The founder of BSBCC, Dr Wong Siew Te, said Natalie's release after spending five years at the centre into the Tabin Wildlife Reserve symbolised both success and hope in efforts to save sun bears in our forests. 'Being the smallest of the eight living bear species, sun bears are listed as Totally Protected under Sabah's Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997. Subscribe or LOG IN to access this article. Support Independant Journalism Subscribe to Daily Express Malaysia Access to DE E-Paper Access to DE E-Paper Exclusive News Exclusive News Invites to special events Invites to special events Giveaways & Rewards 1-Year Most Popular (Income Tax Deductible) Explore Plans Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
