Illegal trees cutting: Man to enter defence

KOTA KINABALU: A local man charged with two counts of illegally cutting trees and possessing timber was ordered by the Sessions Court here yesterday to enter his defence on April 22.

Judge Ainul Shahrin Mohamed made the decision on Vun Loi Onn, 65, at the end of the prosecution’s case yesterday.

In the first charge, Vun was alleged to have cut down 68 trees through an agent without authorization on State land at Kampung Mangaris, Kota Marudu between April 3 and 11, 2014.

The alleged offence was framed under Section 23 (2) of the Forest Enactment 1968, which carries a maximum fine of RM500,000 or a jail term of up to 20 years, upon conviction.

In the second charge, Vun had allegedly possessed 96 pieces of timber without lawful authority or legal right at the same place at 9am on April 15, 2014, which is an offence under Section 30 (1) (g) of the Forest Enactment 1968 and punishable under Section 30 (2) (b) of the same Enactment.

The indictment provides for a maximum fine of RM500,000 or a jail term of up to five years or both, on conviction.

The prosecution produced 21 witnesses to testify against the accused while Vun, who was represented by a lawyer, will be calling three witnesses to the defence stage.

Prosecuting officer Prius Primus from the Forestry Department appeared for the prosecution.