Projek ladang durian gagal, ahli perniagaan diperintah bayar balik RM470,000

Agricultural businessman Lee Beng Tiong has been ordered to pay back RM470,000 to three investors following the failure of a durian plantation project in Selangor. High Court judge Anita Harun continued proceedings against Lee, but dismissed a joint order against his two business partners from Agrigrow Enterprise. The court found Lee had personally promised to return RM570,000 paid by investors under a joint venture agreement, before arranging part payment of RM100,000.

The dispute stems from several agreements signed in 2022 involving Agrigrow, Supernova Legacy Sdn Bhd and two other plaintiffs. According to the plaintiffs, Agrigrow was supposed to pay a small levy and jointly develop 15 plots of land in Bukit Lagong Forest Reserve, Gombak, for commercial durian cultivation. However, the plaintiffs claim the plots of land were never handed over, and they are now seeking a refund of their investment, in addition to the RM470,000 outstanding payment.

Since RM470,000 remains unpaid, they have filed a lawsuit against the three partners at the Selayang Sessions Court. On April 29, the Sessions Court allowed the continuation of proceedings against the three partners, ruling them jointly and severally liable for the entire amount. The partners have now appealed to the High Court, which has granted part of their appeal today.

Anita stated that the two partners who joined Agrigrow in February 2023, after the agreement was signed, and did not participate in Lee's promise to return the money or Agrigrow's obligations under the agreement, create a case that requires full litigation to determine their liability. M Gobinath represented Lee, while Derrick Oon and Low Jia Yi acted for Supernova and the two other plaintiffs.