Murut Men Remanded Over Gaharu Haul
By Malai FadleyRizal

Bandar Seri Begawan - Eleven Murut men from Lawas were remanded yesterday at the Bandar Central Police Station as they faced a charge of illegally possessing Kayu Gaharu at a forest reserve in Temburong and another for allegedly entering Brunei illegally before the Bandar Magistrate's Court.

No pleas were taken from defendants Walter Pengiran Kamoa, Richard bin Lalong, Mohd Tajuddin bin Abdullah @ Anthony Chan, Roni bin Pala, Liwi bin Yasaya, Josiah bin Laban, Victor Pengiran, Agustin bin Udan, Francis bin Asai, Pada bin Uak and Palus bin Laban.

According to Deputy Public Prosecutor Mohd Esnawi Hj Sharbawi, the defendants face a first charge of being found in possession of the valuable wood, which is scientifically known as Aquilaria Beccariana, on February 21 at about 3.15 am in Batu Apoi Forest Reserve in Temburong.

If convicted, the defendants could face a fine and five-year imprisonment.

All the defendants are also facing a charge of having entered Brunei illegally without possessing valid passes.

This charge carries a penalty of imprisonment not less than three months and not more than two years and a fine of not more than $6,000.

The defendants will be brought again before the court for further mention of the case on March 8. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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