News

Seafood Trader Acquitted Of Charge Of Trying To Smuggle Out Pangolin Scales Worth RM100 Million

KOTA KINABALU, June 29 — A seafood trader breathed a sigh of relief today when he was freed of the charge of attempting to export 8,085 kilograms (kg) of pangolin scales worth over RM100 million in July 2018.

Judge Elsie Primus acquitted and discharged Chai Kok Hiong, 46, of the charge after the prosecution failed to prove the case.

She said after taking into account all the evidence from the prosecution and listening to the defense submission, the court concluded that the defense had successfully raised reasonable doubt in the case

Chai was charged with filling 227 sacks with 8,058 kg of pangolin scales worth more than RM100 million according to current market prices.

He was punishable to a fine of under not less than 10 times the value of the goods and not more than 20 times the value of the goods, or a jail term not exceeding three years or both, upon conviction.

If found guilty, he was punishable to a fine of up to RM2 billion or jail under Section 135(1)(a) of the Customs Act 1967 (import and export of a prohibited good) and could be charged under Section 135(1)(iii)(aa) and read together with Section 139 of the same act

The accused who was represented by counsel Korventt Wheezar Jomiji was brought to court on September 24, 2018, and pleaded not guilty.

Pending disposal of the case, the accused was allowed bail of RM80,000 with two local sureties and required to report to the Kota Kinabalu Customs Office every fortnight.

During the trial, the prosecution called 27 witnesses, while defense called one witness.

Source: BERNAMA

Adib Mohd

Recent Posts

Stranger Things Returns This November And the Upside Down Is Bringing New Secrets With It

Hey creepaholics, the nightmare society is calling for backup!  November is coming to turn your… Read More

2 days ago

HABIB x Zoo Negara Unveil Limited-Edition Gold Wafers Celebrating Malaysia’s Wildlife Heritage

Calling for gold keepers! On October 24, HABIB will launch its exclusive Limited Edition HABIB… Read More

2 days ago

A Season of Sparkle: Carlo Rino Wraps Up 2025 With Joy, Nostalgia & Everyday Luxury

A Season of Sparkle: Carlo Rino Wraps Up 2025 With Joy, Nostalgia & Everyday Luxury… Read More

2 days ago

Beneath the Armor: Men’s Hidden Battle With Mental Health

Beneath the Armor: Men's Hidden Battle With Mental Health “Therapy? No, I don’t need therapy,… Read More

3 days ago

Carolina Herrera Dares the Good Girl to Move in Audacity!

A touch of elegance, a scent of confidence. Carolina Herrera and Swarovski will bring light… Read More

3 days ago

Lights, Culture, and Celebration: Deepavali Shines Bright at Sunway Lagoon and Lost World of Tambun

Lights, Culture, and Celebration: Deepavali Shines Bright at Sunway Lagoon and Lost World of Tambun… Read More

3 days ago

This website uses cookies.