Kuala Lumpur:Semantan Estate (1952) Sdn Bhd and its liquidator have initiated a new legal action in the High Court against the government and six other parties. They are seeking a court order to compel the sale of the Duta Enclave land in downtown Kuala Lumpur, valued at RM12 billion to RM13 billion, or alternatively, demand equitable compensation.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the lawsuit was filed on October 8 by Semantan Estate and liquidator Dr. Lai Chee Chuen, represented by the law firm Messrs AG Kalidas Doris and Nada. The defendants named in the suit include the government, the Federal Lands Commissioner, and other relevant authorities. The statement of claim alleges that despite a 2009 High Court ruling voiding the acquisition of the land, the government has continued to occupy and benefit from it.
The land, originally acquired between 1956 and 1958 for a 'Diplomatic Enclave', was divided into 38 lots and registered under the Federal Lands Commissioner, with additional land used for roads and infrastructure. Semantan Estate claims the land was never used for its intended purpose and was instead developed for various official and commercial uses.
The plaintiffs are seeking a declaration of trust over the land, an order for its sale and accounting of proceeds, or alternatively, damages for breach of trust and deprivation of property rights. They also request restitution for benefits derived by the government and interest on any sums awarded.
Case management is scheduled for November 3 before High Court Judge Datuk Anand Ponnudurai. The ongoing legal battle began in 2003, with a significant 2009 High Court ruling in favor of Semantan Estate, which was followed by unsuccessful appeals by the government. The Court of Appeal later overturned a 2024 High Court order for title transfer, and the current proceedings focus on compensation assessment based on the 1956 land value.
The contested Duta Enclave area includes numerous government facilities such as the National Hockey Stadium and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Academy.