Section 13

Any person taking, removing, selling, exporting or attempting to export, dealing in, purchasing or found in possession of pearl oyster shell known scientifically as Pinctada

Maxima and of either of the varieties known as “Golden Lip” or “Silver Lip” of which the nacre or mother of pearl measures less than four-and-a-half inches from butt or hinge to opposite edge or lip or which measures less than six inches exteriorly over all, shall be liable to a penalty of fifty ringgit for every such shell found in his possession and all such shell shall be confiscated.

Any person in whose possession any such shell shall be found shall disclose to any Government officer on demand the name and address of the person from whom he acquired the same. Refusal or neglect to give full information shall render such person liable to a penalty of one thousand ringgit and to imprisonment for twelve months:

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Provided that if it be proved to the satisfaction of the Director of Agriculture that the ordinary size of any such pearl oyster shell when full grown is when found in the waters of

Sabah of smaller dimensions he may direct that other dimensions be substituted for those prescribed by this section.

The Director of Agriculture may, subject to such conditions as he may think fit, grant to any person a permit to engage in the industry of pearl culture and the provisions of this section relating to taking, removing or being in possession of pearl oysters shall not apply to the holder of any such licence.

Places of collection.