What defence was offered for possessing orangutan and elephant parts?

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Defence for Possessing Protected Wildlife Parts Centred on Museum Display Intention

The defence offered for the possession of protected wildlife parts, including an orangutan skull and elephant tusks, was that these items constituted an Orang Asli collection intended for museum display. This argument was presented in mitigation by the defence counsel to the Sessions Court. The owner of an art museum, Yiu Shoou Rang, 66, faced charges related to the unauthorised possession of various protected wildlife parts.
Items Constituted an Orang Asli Collection

The defence highlighted that the items in question were not intended for commercial purposes but were part of a collection belonging to the Orang Asli community. This collection was reportedly being prepared for display in a museum setting, suggesting a cultural or educational purpose rather than illicit trade. This framing aimed to position the possession as being for preservation and exhibition.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing

Yiu Shoou Rang was fined RM300,000 by the Sessions Court for possessing various protected wildlife parts without the necessary licence or special permit. He pleaded guilty to eight amended charges, which included possessing an orangutan skull, two estuarine crocodile skulls, and seven elephant tusks. These species are fully protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010.
Charges Under Wildlife Conservation Act 2010

The charges were brought under different sections of the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010. Four counts of possessing protected wildlife parts were filed under Section 68(1)(b), which carries significant penalties. Additionally, Yiu faced four charges for possessing other wildlife parts, including wild boar, porcupine quills, and sambar deer parts, under Section 60(1)(a) of the same act.
Court Consideration of Mitigation

In seeking a lenient sentence, the defence counsel submitted that the items were part of an Orang Asli collection designated for museum display. This submission was made during the mitigation phase of the proceedings, where the court considers factors presented by both the prosecution and the defence before passing a sentence. The court ordered Yiu to pay the RM300,000 fine, with a default sentence of nine months' imprisonment.

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What defence was offered for possessing orangutan and elephant parts?

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