Batang Kali landslide survivors sue Selangor state govt

The Selangor state government and six others were hauled to court for alleged negligence over the Batang Kali landslide that claimed 31 lives.

The 23 plaintiffs, comprising survivors of the tragedy and kin of those killed, filed the writ of summons at the Shah Alam High Court five days ago.

In a press statement today, the plaintiff's counsel Gurdial Singh Nijar, Joshua Paulraj and Vemal Arasan announced the filing of the civil action, stating they are seeking justice for the alleged negligence that triggered the heartbreaking calamity.

The legal team contended that the state government and several others failed to uphold essential safety standards and did not take adequate precautions to prevent the tragedy.

“It is time those sitting in air-conditioned armchairs be held responsible for their actions which affected the public.

"Time and over again, anthropogenic incidents have claimed lives," Vemal said in the statement.

Seeking damages

The media release quoted Joshua as saying that their clients are determined to hold those responsible accountable for their actions.

READ MORE: KINIGUIDE | Batang Kali landslide tragedy and the forensic report

"This is not just about seeking compensation; it’s about ensuring that such negligence does not happen again and that the voices of the affected are heard," Joshua added.

Via the civil action, the plaintiffs seek unspecified damages for their immense losses, both emotional and financial.

They also advocate for systemic changes to safety protocols to protect future generations from similar tragedies.

According to the court documents, BL Agro was at the material time involved in the tent sites at the landslide area.

Malaysia Botanical Resorts was listed as the owner of the land upon which the tent site was located.

The landslide at Jalan B66, Batang Kali-Genting Highlands, Selangor, killed 31 people on Dec 18, 2022, making it the deadliest landslide in Malaysian history.

Thirteen children from SJK(C) Moon Choong in Kuala Lumpur, who were camping at Father's Organic Farm, were among those who perished in the tragedy. The youngest was six years old.

Sixty-one others survived, seven of whom sustained injuries.

COMMENT | Forensic report on Batang Kali landslide raises more questions

Plans for a resort where Batang Kali landslide happened shelved

Forensic report on Batang Kali landslide published

Heavy, persistent rainfall caused Batang Kali landslide - Zahid

S’gor govt agrees to declassify report on Batang Kali landslide

Farewell Blake, the canine hero of Batang Kali landslide

Batang Kali landslide: Survivors demand release of full report

KINIGUIDE | Batang Kali landslide tragedy and the forensic report