High Court finds Putrajaya, Selangor authorities liable for Taman Sri Muda flood devastation
The Malaysian High Court has ruled the government and several agencies liable for negligence regarding the 2021 Taman Sri Muda floods. The court rejected the 'act of God' defense, stating that authorities failed to act on available data to mitigate the disaster's impact.
Why it matters
This ruling sets a significant legal precedent for government accountability in disaster management and climate-related infrastructure failures.
SHAH ALAM, Sept 29 — The High Court has found the Malaysian government liable for damages caused by the catastrophic 2021 floods that devastated Taman Sri Muda in Shah Alam, citing a failure to promptly escalate disaster response and maintain effective mitigation systems.
Judicial Commissioner Shoba Rajah Dorai Rajah allowed the lawsuit filed by 50 residents, ruling that they had proven their claims of negligence and breach of duty by the defendants.
The respondents included the government of Malaysia, the director-general of the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma), the minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Special Functions), the director-general of the Malaysian Meteorological Department (METMalaysia), and the minister of environment and water.
The court also found the director-general of the Selangor Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) and the Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) jointly liable with the federal government.
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