Semantan files further discovery application for pre-Merdeka land records, ahead of assessment proceedings

KUALA LUMPUR (March 16): Semantan Estate (1952) Sdn Bhd has filed a further discovery application to obtain pre-Merdeka land records and zoning documents for its upcoming compensation assessment proceedings.

The company is seeking Memoranda of Transfers (1956–1957) for several lots in Mukim Batu, Kuala Lumpur, which record ownership changes and sale prices. These serve as evidence of land value at the time.

They are also seeking official confirmation of zoning and development density (1956) for the subject land, to establish what kind of development was legally permitted at that time period.

Semantan Estate argued that these documents are critical for its valuer to prepare a proper market valuation report, as the Court of Appeal (COA) has ordered compensation to be reassessed based on the land’s value in December 1956.

They added that the application was filed as they have exhausted “all reasonable means” of obtaining the said documents through available channels.

Earlier this month, the company had filed a discovery application seeking survey and acquisition plans.

Semantan’s counsel, Janet Chai Pei Ying from Messrs Chooi & Company, confirmed the matter with The Edge when contacted. She added that both discovery applications will be heard on April 1.

The compensation hearing for the long-standing dispute is slated for April 3 to April 10 before High Court judge Roslan Mat Nor.

The proceedings are a result of the appellate court’s decision last June, where it ruled that the company cannot reclaim the land, buildings, or title, despite a 2009 decision confirming the government had trespassed and paid only RM1.32 million in 1956.

The COA ordered that the land be valued based on its 1956 market value, not its current value, and for the government to pay the compensation as assessed by the High Court.

Semantan’s leave (request for permission) to appeal this decision was dismissed by the Federal Court.

The present 263.27-acre land now consists of government buildings like the Inland Revenue Board’s headquarters, the National Archives, the National Hockey Stadium, the Examinations Syndicate, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Academy, and the Institute of Integrity Malaysia.

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