Driver in Malaysia charged with possessing 2,330 live clouded monitor lizards, among others

Driver admits to 5 wildlife offences
New Straits Times 17 Nov 09;

KUANTAN: A lorry driver was charged in the magistrate's court yesterday with possessing clouded monitor lizards, which are a protected species, and body parts of wild owls and the sun bear.

M. Ravindran, 31, from Indera Mahkota, near here, was read five charges under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 for possessing:

- 2,330 live clouded monitor lizards;

- 47 limbs of sun bears (Helarctos malayanus);

- 246 carcasses of skinned Barn Owls (Tyto alba);

- 72 carcasses of Barred eagle owls (Bubo sumatranus); and

- a skinned Brown Wood Owl (Strix leplogranunica).

The father of three was also charged with endangering the clouded monitor lizards by confining them in cages.

He pleaded guilty to committing the offences at Lot 467, Jalan Bukit Ubi on Jan 11.

Magistrate Iriane Isabelo fixed Dec 7 for sentencing.

Ravindran was represented by Syed Azimal Amir Syed Abu Bakar.

Mohd Hasdi Husin prosecuted for the Wildlife and National Parks Department.