RAUB: Environmental activist Puan Sri Shariffa Sabrina Syed Akil has pleaded not guilty at the Sessions Court here to three counts of unlawful occupation of state land.

       Shariffa Sabrina, 60, made the plea before judge Ahmad Faizadh Yahaya yesterday.

       I’m not guilty: Shariffa Sabrina at the Sessions Court. — KK SHAM/The Star

       The Association for the Protection of Natural Heritage of Malaysia (Peka) president was charged with committing the offences at 2pm on June 10 and 11 last year at Lot 26148, GM4135 in Mukim Bentong, and in Lot 1053, PM0053 Mukim Ulu Dong and Lot 10061, GM1572 Mukim Tras, in Raub.

       The land involved is alleged to have been turned into a resort area and for business activities by Tanah Aina Fareena Cafe & Restaurant, Tanah Aina Fahad Glamping Resort and Tanah Aina Farrah Soraya Exclusive Eco Resort.

       The charges were framed under Section 425(1)(a) of the National Land Code 1965 which provides a fine of up to RM500,000 or imprisonment of up to five years.

       Ahmad Faizadh set bail at RM3,000 with one security for each count and fixed April 25 for mention for submission of documents.

       Earlier, prosecuting officer from the Pahang Enforcement Unit Izzat Ikhwan Abu Bakar applied for a gag order against Shariffa Sabrina to prevent her from issuing any statement on the case, including on social media.

       He said this was because since the summons was issued to her on Jan 27, she had come out with statements on social media regarding the case.

       However, Shariffa Sabrina’s lawyer, Mohd Harris Mohan, said this should be made officially with a notice served to the defence. —Bernama