What was the justification given for keeping the sun bear cub?

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Justification Provided for Keeping Sun Bear Cub

The individual charged, Zarith Sofia Mohd Yasin, maintained through her legal representation that her sole intention in keeping the sun bear cub was to rescue the animal, asserting no intent for commercial trade. The defence highlighted that the cub was discovered in good health by the Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) when it was found.
Claim of Rescue Intent

Zarith Sofia's lawyer, Nik Muammer Hurrie Mohamad Sukri, presented in mitigation that his client's actions stemmed from a desire to rescue the sun bear cub. He explicitly stated that Zarith Sofia "only wanted to rescue the animal and had no intention of trading it for profit." This defence aimed to frame her possession of the cub not as an act of illegal ownership for gain, but as a benevolent, albeit unauthorised, intervention.
Condition of the Cub

Further supporting the rescue narrative, the defence pointed to the physical state of the sun bear cub at the time of its discovery. It was noted that when the Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) located the cub, it was found to be in good health. This detail was presented to suggest that the environment in which the cub was kept, while deemed unsuitable by law, did not immediately compromise its well-being.
Legal Framework and Sentencing

Despite the defence's justification, Zarith Sofia was ultimately fined RM27,000 by the Sessions Court for keeping and confining the sun bear cub. The charges, brought under the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010, included keeping a totally protected species without a special permit and confining it in an environment not conducive to its comfort and health. The court's decision to impose a substantial fine, coupled with the prosecution's request for a deterrent sentence, underscores the seriousness with which such offences are viewed under Malaysian wildlife protection laws.

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What was the justification given for keeping the sun bear cub?

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