Govt moves to settle decades-long Duta Enclave land dispute

The Malaysian government has proposed a settlement to Semantan Estate (1952) Sdn Bhd (SESB) over a prolonged legal dispute regarding 263.272 acres of strategically located land in the Duta Enclave. The land, situated in Mukim Batu, was acquired by the government in 1956 and has since been the subject of a legal battle spanning over two decades.

SESB argued that the land was unlawfully taken over by the government. The dispute reached a significant milestone in June 2025 when the Court of Appeal ordered the government to pay compensation to SESB, with the amount yet to be determined by the High Court. The government recently submitted a settlement proposal to SESB, but the company's counsel, Ira Biswas, sought to adjourn the proceedings to allow time for further discussion.

However, the court rejected the adjournment request. Judge Roslan Mat Noor emphasized the importance of resolving the case promptly while ensuring fairness to SESB. The Duta Enclave, strategically located along Jalan Duta, houses several major public institutions and facilities, including the Inland Revenue Board complex, government buildings, the National Hockey Stadium, the Institute of Islamic Understanding Malaysia, and the Federal Territory Mosque.