Semantan Estate files fresh suit seeking sale of RM13b Duta Enclave land or recompense

Kuala Lumpur, October 12 — Semantan Estate (1952) Sdn Bhd has filed a new lawsuit against the Malaysian government, demanding the sale of the 263.272-acre Duta Enclave in the capital or the payment of compensation estimated at RM12 billion to RM13 billion. The liquidator of the company, Jim Lai, claims the firm remains the rightful owner of the prime land despite previous appellate rulings that prohibited it from regaining physical possession of the registered land title.

In its statement of claim, Semantan Estate argues that the government is still using and profiting from the valuable parcel, even though a 2009 court ruling declared the initial colonial-era acquisition invalid due to legal flaws. The suit names the federal government, Federal Lands Commissioner, and five other land administrators and registrars as defendants.

The contested site, acquired between 1956 and 1958 with the intention of creating a diplomatic quarter, is now occupied by important government buildings, commercial areas, and crucial road networks. Semantan Estate argues that the federal government should auction or sell the land on the open market, with any proceeds going to the company.

The plaintiff contends that compensating the estate based on its 1956 value would render it nearly worthless. The plaintiff is also seeking restitution for alleged breach of trust, general damages for the loss of constitutional property rights, and unjust enrichment stemming from the government's continuous occupation of the land for nearly 70 years.

The new lawsuit follows recent legal setbacks for the liquidator. In June 2025, the Court of Appeal overturned a High Court order instructing the land registrar to re-register the title under Semantan Estate's name, instead ordering the assessment of damages based on the land's value on December 3, 1956, plus 6% per annum statutory interest under the former Land Acquisition Enactment.

The Federal Court rejected the company's appeal of that decision in November 2025. Semantan Estate maintains that its new action introduces unique legal claims based on trust law, equitable remedies, and constitutional restitution, distinct from its earlier attempts to enforce title transfer. The case is scheduled for its first case management hearing before High Court Judge Anand Ponnudurai on November 3.