Eight-year-old girl awarded RM2.2m after brain damage caused by birth negligence

On October 3, 2026, the Ayer Keroh High Court in Malaysia awarded RM12.19 million in damages to an eight-year-old girl, Hanan Qaireen Mohd Sukri, who suffered severe brain damage due to birth negligence. The ruling came after a lawsuit was filed against a government hospital and its medical staff.

Hanan's condition resulted in spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy, leaving her permanently disabled and unable to live independently. She would require ongoing medical treatment, rehabilitation, and support throughout her life. In its judgment, the court rejected a RM220,000 claim for stem cell therapy, citing the treatment as experimental and unproven.

The total compensation awarded included RM10.77 million for future care costs, RM500,000 for general damages, RM441,754.83 for special damages, RM300,000 for aggravated damages, RM157,792.22 for pre-trial damages, and RM176,718.75 for legal costs and expenses. An additional five percent interest was also applied to the judgment sum.

Judge Isa Aziz Ibrahim urged the family to manage the financial award responsibly for the child's well-being. Despite the substantial amount, the judge noted it was intended to cover a period of 55 years, equating to approximately RM20,000 per month. The lawsuit initially named 11 defendants, including doctors, the hospital director, and the Government of Malaysia. After the government admitted full liability, claims against the first ten defendants were withdrawn, and Hanan's mother was removed as a co-plaintiff.