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A cook at a resort in Semporna, Sabah, has been charged with illegally possessing a protected animal after a live pangolin was allegedly found in his kitchen
According to The Star, Mohammad Ali Iqram Thien Abdullah, 45, pleaded not guilty before Judge Ahmad Faizadh Yahaya at the Tawau Sessions Court today, 3 March.
He was charged under Section 41(1) of the Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997. If convicted, he faces a fine ranging from RM50,000 to RM250,000, as well as one to five years in prison.
According to the charge sheet, Ali Iqram was accused of possessing a live Sunda pangolin (Manis javanica) — a critically endangered animal in Malaysia — that was found inside a black plastic container at the resort at around 5.35pm last Monday, 23 February.
Sabah Wildlife Department officials and police raided the resort after receiving a tip-off that its operators were storing and serving the protected species as an "exquisite" dish to tourists
"During the raid, a live pangolin as well as several pots containing cooked pangolin in herbal soup were found," said Sabah Wildlife Department director Soffian Abu Bakar last week, as quoted by SCMP.
Three individuals were arrested to assist in investigations.
Pangolins are a totally protected species in Malaysia, making any form of possession, trade, or consumption illegal
The animal is listed under Schedule 1, Part 1 of the Wildlife Conservation Enactment, and the accused allegedly did not have valid authorisation to possess it.
The court granted bail at RM15,000 with one surety and ordered the accused to surrender his passport as well as refrain from contacting any prosecution witnesses.
