Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh has said that any compensation claim related to the Masjid India incident that claimed the life of an Indian national should be determined by the courts.
She said the victim’s family is free to pursue legal action through the proper legal channels, noting that such a case is unprecedented in Kuala Lumpur.
Hannah said she had already discussed the matter with Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Bandar Kuala Lumpur, while the death certificate had also been issued by the National Registration Department (JPN).
“We are sympathetic towards the family over the incident. I believe they are relieved that the death certificate has been issued,” she said after officiating a camping site in Taman Wetland Putrajaya on Friday.
She added that any compensation claim should be handled through the courts, which would determine the appropriate amount as there is no prior similar case in the capital.
The victim’s family had reportedly requested a meeting with Hannah for further clarification on the incident but was said to have returned to India.
Hannah said the government acknowledges the family’s grief and will extend full cooperation in accordance with legal procedures.
The case is linked to the tragic incident involving G. Vijaya Lakshmi, who fell into a sinkhole along Jalan Masjid India in Kuala Lumpur two years ago.
The family is seeking compensation discussions with Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) and the government, while their lawyer referenced previous court rulings, including a case where DBKL was ordered to pay RM824,180 in damages over a fatal accident involving a fallen tree.
