Selangor reviews appeal in Saman Taman Sri Muda case

KUALA LUMPUR, 30 SEPTEMBER 2026 —

Selangor to review legal appeal options after Taman Sri Muda flood lawsuit victory, as state government weighs justifications for higher court challenge

The Selangor state government will consult its Legal Adviser’s Office (PUU) to assess whether to launch an appeal against a landmark High Court ruling that found it and related agencies liable for negligence in the 2021 Taman Sri Muda floods, with Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari confirming the decision hinges on whether justifications exist to justify a Court of Appeal challenge.

The ruling, delivered by High Court Judge Shoba Rajah, marks the first time a Malaysian court has held a state government and its agencies—including the Selangor Drainage and Irrigation Department (JPS) and Shah Alam City Council (MBSA)—legally responsible for failing to prevent or mitigate flooding in a residential area.

The judgment also criticised the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) for inadequate disaster response coordination, including the ineffective deployment of Malaysia’s Special Search and Rescue Team (SMART) during the crisis.

Amirudin, speaking at the launch of Selangor’s Strategic Road and Highway Plan 2026–2035 today, acknowledged the legal team’s role in determining next steps, stating that an appeal remains possible given the case’s High Court level. “We will receive input from the state’s legal advisers to evaluate whether an appeal should proceed and what justifications can be presented,” he said, adding that the decision would depend on whether sufficient grounds exist to overturn the judgment.

The lawsuit, filed by 50 residents of Taman Sri Muda, centred on the government’s alleged failure to fulfil its duty of care in managing flood risks, particularly through the operation of drainage systems and disaster preparedness. Judge Shoba ruled that the defendants—Selangor state, JPS, MBSA, and NADMA—had breached their operational responsibilities, with NADMA specifically criticised for failing to activate its main coordination centre or deploy SMART teams effectively during the December 2021 floods.

Amirudin also highlighted ongoing infrastructure projects in the area, including flood mitigation works and the deepening of the Klang River, which he claimed had reduced flood risks by 20% in the river’s stretch near Taman Sri Muda. He noted that while the river deepening was part of broader flood control efforts, separate plans for pump stations and floodgates were also in progress.

“Since 2021, we’ve accelerated work in the area, and flood incidents in Taman Sri Muda have been minimal—some even at very low levels,” he said, attributing the improvement to five years of targeted infrastructure investments.

The case’s outcome carries significant implications for Malaysia’s disaster management framework, particularly the legal obligations of state agencies in flood-prone regions. Legal experts have previously warned that the ruling could set a precedent for future claims, potentially exposing governments to higher liability risks unless preventive measures are strengthened.

Meanwhile, the Selangor government’s decision to consult its legal team before deciding on an appeal underscores the high stakes of the judgment, with financial and reputational consequences at play.

As of today, no formal appeal has been filed, and the state government’s next steps remain dependent on the PUU’s assessment of potential legal grounds. The case also raises broader questions about the effectiveness of Malaysia’s decentralised disaster response system, particularly the roles of local councils and NADMA in coordinating flood mitigation efforts.

With no further developments announced, the focus now shifts to whether Selangor will pursue higher court challenges or prioritise implementing the judgment’s recommendations to prevent future liabilities.