Singer who kept sun bear in condo pleads NOT GUILTY to 2 charges. Bail set at RM10,000
Last week, Malaysians were appalled by a video of a sun bear
pitifully roaring for food from the 16th floor window of a condominium
in Kuala Lumpur.
Penyanyi rock wanita menerima padah apabila ditahan Jabatan Perlindungan Hidupan Liar dan Taman Negara (PERHILITAN) selepas didapati memelihara dan menyimpan seekor beruang matahari secara haram di dalam kondominiumnya, di Kuala Lumpur. pic.twitter.com/4PIAffD4yj
— Mohd Redzuan Abdul Manap (@redzuanNewsMPB) June 7, 2019
It soon emerged that a 27-year old singer “rescued†the sun bear because she “thought it was a dogâ€.
Well, looks like she needs some rescuing of her own as she faced the KL Court today on two charges and a very costly bail set at RM10,000.
Zarith Sofia Yasin pleaded not guilty to the charges below:
1. Section 69 (1) of the Wildlife Protection Act 2010 for
keeping a protected species without a special permit.
2. Section 86 (1C) under the same Act for keeping the animal
in an environment that was not conducive to its health and comfort.
If found guilty, she’s looking at a pretty heavy punishment as Section 69(1) of the Act provides for up to 10 years imprisonment or a maximum fine of RM200,000, or both.
While Section 86(1)(c) of the Act carries up to one year in jail or a fine between RM5,000 and RM50,000, or both.
The public prosecutor, Munira Zainal Abidin, had actually
requested that the bail be set at RM30,000 as it was a serious offence and also
to prevent Zarith Sofia from disturbing other witnesses.
But her lawyer, Datuk Mohd Haaziq Pillay (who’s doing
this pro bono btw) argued for a lower amount, saying “Her father had just
undergone a brain tumour surgery.â€
He also told the magistrate that she supports both her
parents with a lowly monthly income of RM3,500.
Judge Manira Mohd Nor agreed and ordered a lower RM10,000 bail BUT Zarith Sofia has to report to the police station once a month.
Her case will be up for mention on July 19.
If you spot a wild animal in need of help…
PLEASE CONTACT THE AUTHORITIES:
Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN)
Tel : 03-90866800
E-mail : webmaster@wildlife.gov.my
Or even the Malaysian Fire & Rescue Department/ Police at 999.
