Developer ordered to pay RM10.5mil to JB luxury condo owners

The Johor Bahru High Court has ruled that China-owned developer R&F Development Sdn Bhd must pay 84 unit owners of the luxury Princess Cove Condominium in Johor Bahru around RM10.57 million in compensation for delivering their homes later than agreed. Judge Wong Mee Ling dismissed the developer's claim that the delay was justified by the need to amend the building plans, finding that the changes to the sale and purchase agreement without the buyers' consent were unlawful.

The unit owners, who filed their lawsuit in 2018, were each awarded between RM35,000 and RM196,000 for late delivery, with additional compensation of RM6,900 to RM39,000 for the delayed opening of common facilities. However, the court rejected claims for exemplary and special damages, as there was no evidence the plaintiffs suffered losses.

The original judgment was obtained in 2021, but the case went to trial for 10 days in September 2024 after the Court of Appeal allowed the developer's appeal. The plaintiffs, represented by NG Vinod and Rashmeet Kaur, were awarded costs of RM10,000 each by the court.