21/03/2025

FRIDAY | MAR 21, 2025 5 Politician slams light sentencing of sex offender PETALING JAYA: A politician has criticised the Muar Sessions Court’s decision to impose a mere RM6,000 fine on a man convicted of recording and possessing explicit videos and photographs of his 15-year-old stepdaughter. Sabah MCA women’s wing chairperson Datuk Dr Pamela Yong expressed concern at the court’s judgment. “How does this judgment restrain him from repeating his actions, especially when he still has access to the child? “Worse, what is stopping him from exploiting her further? Especially as a means to recover the money that he has lost to the fine, as retribution against her?” Yong criticised the sentence, arguing that it fails to reflect the severity of the crime, lacks deterrence and provides no real protection for the victim. “We are outraged and concerned by this judgment. It is nothing short of a travesty of justice, if not an outright joke.” She was referring to the case of a 56-year-old cleaner who was fined on March 19 for recording and possessing explicit videos and photographs of his stepdaughter in the shower. The minor reported the incident to police on March 14 after discovering that her stepfather had degrading images and videos of her. Investigations revealed that he had secretly filmed her multiple times after her bath, without her biological mother’s knowledge. She had stumbled upon the recordings while clearing her stepfather’s email storage. Following her report, police arrested the man and seized his phone, which contained 18 explicit videos and degrading images. Yong emphasised that laws exist to protect the vulnerable, particularly minors, from predators but when punishments amount to nothing more than a slap on the wrist, they embolden offenders while failing victims. “A crime of this nature demands a sentence that ensures accountability and sends a strong warning to others.” Yong highlighted the need for stricter sentencing guidelines and stronger enforcement to safeguard minors from sexual exploitation. “Justice must be more than just a token gesture. It must protect, punish and prevent.” She urged authorities to review the case and consider harsher penalties, including imprisonment and mandatory registration on the sex offender registry. “The offender’s actions constitute a severe violation of the law and a betrayal of trust. He must be held accountable in a way that reflects the gravity of his crime.” She called for immediate measures to protect the victim, including restricting the perpetrator’s access to her and providing necessary support and counselling to help her heal from the trauma. “This case underscores the need for reforms. We must send a clear message that such heinous acts will not be tolerated. The safety and dignity of our children are non-negotiable.” Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH High Court sentenced Syed Saddiq, 32, to seven years in prison, two strokes of the cane, and a RM10 million fine after finding him guilty of four charges, including criminal breach of trust, misuse of property and money laundering involving Armada’s funds. He was convicted of abetting former Armada assistant treasurer Rafiq Hakim Razali in misappropriating RM1 million from party funds at CIMB Bank Berhad in KL Sentral on March 6, 2020. – Bernama

Tiger roadkill often mutilated for body parts

KUALA LUMPUR: Finding endangered wildlife dead and mutilated along roadsides, with body parts cut off and stolen by passers-by, has become a recurring tragedy. On Nov 9 last year, the carcass of a female Malayan tiger, one of the country’s most endangered species, was found by the roadside on the East-West Highway in Gerik, Perak, with its fangs, claws and skin missing. On Feb 10, a male panther suffered the same fate after it was struck by a vehicle near Kampung Orang Asli Tering on the Tampin-Kuala Pilah road in Negeri Sembilan. With fewer than 150 of these animals reportedly left in the jungles of Peninsular Malaysia, the Malayan tiger, scientifically known as Panthera tigris jacksoni , is protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 and classified as critically endangered under the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species. Natural Resources and Environmental o Those found possessing or trading animal anatomy could face up to 15 years’ prison and RM150,000 fine: Public order dept

of each state, in joint operations and intelligence sharing related to wildlife. Through their multi-agency cooperation, they cracked down on 147 wildlife-related cases last year, resulting in 184 arrests and seizures valued at RM16,063,320. His department also revoked 6,683 firearm licences issued for hunting purposes between 2020 and February in efforts to preserve the populations of the Malayan tiger and other endangered wildlife. Wildlife and National Parks Department Enforcement Division director Noor Alif Wira Osman said through its “flying squad” or Wildlife Crime Unit, the department has strengthened intelligence and enforcement operations on wildlife smuggling. He added that between 2023 and 2024, 56 tiger body parts were seized by the department, including 32 claws, one fang, a pair of whiskers, one penis, four molar teeth and 17 portions of meat. During the same period, 276 parts of black panthers were confiscated, including 218 claws, 39 fangs, five molar teeth and 14 portions of meat, Bernama reported. “As for clouded leopards, 20 parts were seized, comprising 18 claws and two fangs, thanks to collaboration among various agencies.” Those with information on wildlife-related crimes can call the department hotline at 1800-88-5151 or submit an e-complaint at www.wildlife.gov.my.

Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said six cases of Malayan tiger deaths caused by road collisions were reported between 2023 and 2024. Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order Department deputy director (Wildlife Crime Bureau/Special Investigations Intelligence) SAC Muhamad Azlin Sadari said when roadkill incidents occur, some individuals take advantage of the situation by stealing parts of the animal’s body. He said under the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010, anyone found in possession of or trading Malayan tiger body parts could face up to 15 years’ prison and a maximum fine of RM150,000 for each body part upon conviction. He said despite the Malayan tiger population being relatively small compared with other tiger species worldwide, their quality of life is higher due to the vast forest reserves in Peninsular Malaysia that provide ample space for their natural movement. “Our tigers remain truly wild. They can hunt, live within a natural ecosystem and develop strong genetic traits through interactions with other tigers in the forest. “This is why every part of the tiger, from its skin to the smallest whisker or fang, is considered invaluable. Unfortunately, this fuels poaching, with body parts smuggled abroad for various purposes.” He said his team collaborates with relevant agencies, including the forestry departments

Nik Nazmi said six cases of Malayan tiger deaths caused by road collisions were reported between 2023 and 2024. – SUNPIC

Syed Saddiq acted with intent in Armada funds case: Prosecution KUALA LUMPUR: The prosecution in Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman’s trial submitted in the Court of Appeal that he acted with malicious intent by withdrawing RM1 million from the Angkatan Bersatu Anak Muda (Armada) account under the pretext of political concerns. turmoil and personal entitlement. Testimonies from prosecution witness 11 (PW11) Ahmad Redzuan Mohamed Shafi and PW13 indicated that Syed Saddiq was worried about leadership changes within Bersatu and Armada before the withdrawal. criminal breach of trust and money laundering related to Armada funds.

“The appellant treated the funds in Armada’s account as if they were his personal assets. He also failed to inform PW13 whether he had obtained approval for the withdrawal. “The appellant has a duty under Section 9 of the Evidence Act 1950 to explain why he cited internal leadership changes in Bersatu or Armada as justification.” On November 9, 2023, the Kuala Lumpur

“His claim of ‘political mileage’ as justification reveals his malicious intent,” said Wan Shaharuddin on the second day of Syed Saddiq’s appeal hearing against his conviction and sentence on four charges of

DPP Datuk Wan Shaharuddin Wan Ladin said Syed Saddiq instructed prosecution witness 13 (PW13) Rafiq Hakim Razali to withdraw the funds, citing internal party