DBKL, developer ordered to pay RM1.3 million over home damage

A Malaysian court has ordered Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) and a developer, Fame Modulation Sdn Bhd, to pay over RM1.3 million to former Kuala Lumpur Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department chief Datuk Adnan Azizon. The payment is compensation for severe damage to his home in Alam Damai, Cheras.

The ruling, issued on April 24 and finalized on August 12, mandates that DBKL and the developer, currently in liquidation, must jointly or separately compensate Adnan and his wife, Datin Aziah Ahmad. The bulk of the award covers damages for the couple's decade-long displacement and the costs associated with repairing their home.

The court awarded RM300,000 in general damages for the prolonged hardship and relocation. Additionally, RM160,000 was allocated for alternative housing rent, and RM819,000 for repair expenses and related moving costs. Further sums of RM17,080 for civil engineer fees and RM20,000 for quantity surveyor fees were also ordered.

Damage to the property began around 2014 when Fame Modulation started piling work for a 29-story commercial building, Monteno Sovo Suites, on adjacent land. The construction activities severely impacted the structure of Adnan's residence. The family, including their four children, had to vacate their home in 2015. Although the developer initially agreed to cover rent for alternative accommodation and repair the damage, they ceased rental payments in August 2019. The couple returned to their home in December 2026 after undertaking the repairs themselves.

Fame Modulation went into liquidation in 2020. The judge noted the developer's failure to fulfill promises to repair Adnan and Aziah's home, forcing the couple, who live on government pensions, to take out a substantial loan for repairs. The court dismissed the couple's claims for aggravated and exemplary damages.