A geologist in Kota Kinabalu was fined RM32,000 for pleading guilty to four counts of illegally transporting gold concentrate residues for sale to a goldsmith in Raub, Pahang. Edwin James, aged 36, entered the plea after charges framed under Regulation 6 (1) (c) of the Mineral Development (Licensing) Regulations 2016 were read to him before Magistrate Lovely Natasha Charles on Thursday (March 28).
The offences took place at the Inanam Express Bus Station in Kota Kinabalu between 2020 and 2022, with the gold originating from Sabah’s controversial gold mine in Tawau, which had been the subject of multiple investigations. James, who was affiliated with a government-linked company in Sabah, was mandated to pay a fine of RM8,000 for each charge, totaling RM32,000, in default of 18 months’ jail.
According to Regulation 6(5) of the legislation, James faced a maximum penalty of RM50,000 or a jail term of up to three years, or both, upon conviction. He opted to pay the fine. DPP Muhammad Al-Hakim Abdul Razak pointed out that James had received a minimum of RM800,000 from the illegal activities and called for a punitive sentence to serve as both a warning to the accused and a deterrent to others.
During the mitigation process, James’ defense counsel, Chin Teck Ming, appealed for leniency on the basis that this was his client’s first offense. Additionally, he highlighted that James was the sole provider for his family and had two young children to support.
