SHAH ALAM: Convicted wildlife smuggler Anson Wong has been slapped with a five-year jail term, after a High Court here allowed an appeal filed by the Attorney-General’s Chambers for a heavier sentence against him.
The court also ordered for a fine of RM190,000, imposed on Wong in a previous judgement by a Sessions Court judge, to be returned to him.
Justice Mohtarudin Baki said in his judgement Thursday that the Sessions Court judge did not consider the large number of snakes in Wong’s possession in his ruling.
“From the charge, it was stated that there were 95 boa constrictors.
“The judge did not emphasise on the number,” he said.
Justice Mohtarudin said had the snakes escaped, the safety of the airport and flight would have been in jeapordy.
“It is apparent that the accused is greedy and only thought of himself. He did not care about other people.
“Let this punishment be a deterrent for the accused and would-be offenders out there,” he said.