Kuching Court Complex (File Photo)

SIBU, Jan 23: The Sessions Court today imposed a fine of RM25,000 on Golden Point Development Sdn Bhd for the possession of illegal timber logs.

Judge Marutin Pagan further directed the company to remit timber royalties amounting to RM163,019.90 to the Sarawak government.

The case unfolded when Golden Point Development, acting as an agent for Jaling Jaya Timber, committed the offense at 3.20am in February 2023 along Jalan Tellian.

The company had in its possession 202 timber logs for which royalty payments had not been made.

The company pleaded guilty under Section 95(1) of the Forest Ordinance 2015, which stipulates a fine ranging from RM25,000 to RM150,000 or imprisonment up to five years, or both.

Additionally, the section mandates a penalty of not less than 10 times the royalty of the forest produce payable to the government.

Simultaneously, Jaling Jaya Timber also faced a fine of RM25,000 for the same offense.

Legal representation for both companies was provided by counsels Danny Huang and Ben Lau. — DayakDaily