Government overpaid half million ringgit for Duta Enclave land, court hears

KUALA LUMPUR — The High Court heard testimony on Wednesday that the Malaysian Government may have overpaid Semantan Estate by up to RM500,000 for land used in the Duta Enclave project.

A property valuer presented expert evidence suggesting the transaction price exceeded the fair market value of the property at the time of acquisition. The witness was questioned on the methodology used to determine comparable valuations and assess whether appropriate due diligence was conducted before the purchase.

The case centres on allegations that government officials failed to obtain adequate independent valuations before authorising the land purchase. Legal representatives for the claimant argued that such oversight resulted in unnecessary expenditure of public funds.

Officials representing the Government's interests contested the valuation assessment, suggesting market conditions at the time of the transaction warranted the agreed purchase price. The defence maintained that all proper procedures were followed in executing the land deal.

The High Court is expected to hear further testimony from additional experts and government representatives before rendering a decision on the matter.