The multi-million-ringgit legal dispute between the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and Sunway Lagoon Sdn Bhd has advanced towards trial following recent court filings, over an alleged food poisoning incident during a large-scale family day event held for the regulator.
The case, filed at the Shah Alam High Court on Jan 2, is scheduled for case management before Justice Anita Harun on April 29.
In its claim, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission is seeking a full refund of RM1,819,800 paid under a contract dated Aug 5, 2025, alongside RM30,339.75 in medical expenses, as well as general, aggravated and exemplary damages, citing breach of contract and negligence.
The commission alleges that during the event involving 6,590 attendees, complaints were made regarding food quality, with one dish reportedly described as having an unpleasant smell and sour taste, though it claims no immediate corrective action was taken.
MCMC further stated that over the following days, hundreds of attendees reported symptoms including diarrhoea, vomiting, fever and stomach pain, prompting reports to the police and the Selangor Health Department, which later ordered a temporary shutdown of the park’s kitchen operations.
According to health authorities, 322 out of 4,710 attendees were confirmed to have experienced symptoms, though no fatalities or serious complications were recorded.
The commission argues that the incident stemmed from food contamination linked to preparation methods, storage conditions and potential cross-contamination, adding that the resulting disruption affected its operations and caused reputational damage.
Sunway Lagoon, however, has strongly denied liability, insisting that all food preparation followed standard operating procedures, with meals prepared, stored and monitored under strict hygiene controls.
The theme park operator also disputed the scale of the outbreak, maintaining that there was no evidence linking its kitchen directly to the alleged contamination and highlighting that only a small proportion of attendees reported illness.
In its defence, Sunway Lagoon further argued that MCMC failed to prove its claims and suggested contributory negligence by attendees, including hygiene practices and food handling after distribution.
The operator also challenged the claim for business disruption, arguing that a regulatory body does not suffer commercial losses in the manner alleged.
MCMC, in its reply filed on April 9, maintained that the exclusive provision of outside food meant the only plausible source of contamination was the venue’s kitchen facilities.
Both parties are represented by legal counsel, with proceedings expected to continue as the court moves towards full hearing of the dispute.
