A 44-year-old Indonesian man was fined RM7,000 by the Sessions Court here on Wednesday after he pleaded guilty to entering a closed forest reserve in Jelebu without permission.
Judge Shahrul Rizal Majid imposed the fine on Sajin Abas after the charge was read out and he admitted to the offence.
The court also ordered the accused to serve 30 days in prison if he fails to settle the fine.
Based on the charge, Sajin was found to have entered the restricted area of Triang Forest Reserve in Jelebu on July 29 without a valid permit or approval from the relevant authorities.
The offence was prosecuted under Subsection 47(1) of the National Forestry Act 1984, which carries a maximum fine of RM20,000, imprisonment for up to three years, or both upon conviction.
The prosecution was conducted by Deputy Public Prosecutor Shahira Ellyna Badrul Hisham, while the investigation was handled by investigating officer Hasliandi Hashim.
The case serves as a reminder that entering restricted forest reserves without proper authorisation is an offence that can result in legal action under existing forestry laws.
