Amirul Afiq Sanusi, 24, and Khairul Aziman Shamsudin, 28, pleaded not guilty after the charges were read out to them separately before magistrate Amin Rashidi Ramli at the Bachok magistrates’ court.

Amirul was charged with intentionally abusing a male macaque by hitting and frightening it next to an abandoned house in Kampung Jembal, Jalan Tawang, at 6.30pm on Nov 1.

He was charged under Section 44(1)(a) of the Animals Act 1953, which carries a maximum sentence of one year’s imprisonment, a fine of up to RM50,000, or both.

Khairul was charged with abetting Amirul in the same offence at the same location, date, and time.

He was charged under Section 109 of the Penal Code read together with Section 44(1)(a) of the Animals Act 1953.

Deputy public prosecutor Aiman Syahmi Yazid proposed bail of RM10,000 each but the duo’s lawyer, Habil Zainal Abidin, requested a lower amount.

The court set bail at RM5,000 each with one surety and fixed Dec 24 for mention and the submission of documents.