Two men in Malaysia were fined over $20,000 each (100,000 Malaysian ringgit) for illegally and recklessly clearing government land, according to The Malaysian Reserve.
Judge Noor Aisah Mohamed handed down the fines to businessman Bong Jau Chong and excavator driver Chong Teck Kong at the Sessions Court in Raub.
The men were jointly charged with clearing state government land, for which they did not have a valid permit. The crime took place in Kampung Seberang Jelai, Mukim Telang, Kuala Lipis, in the afternoon hours of Nov. 21, 2024.
Both individuals faced up to five years in prison. Defense attorney Lim Zi Shin claimed that his clients had not committed a serious crime and that they were clearing only 0.2 acres of land.
The men paid their fines. If they hadn't, the court could have imposed a one-year prison sentence, according to The Star.
This story is another example of a government not backing down from its land use laws. A clear warning has been sent to people who might consider illegally exploiting government land.
Around the globe, more and more countries are developing regulations to protect government land from unauthorized use. This trend shows the growing awareness and commitment to preserving natural resources and maintaining environmental integrity.
Laws and punishments for breaking them are critical to ensuring that we protect as much natural land as possible. These fines make it clear that protecting the environment is a chief concern for Malaysia.
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