NEHDUMSELIAN A/L GUNALAN TAN WA YAM sebagai bapa yang sah dan penanggungan kepada Tan Sing Shee simati, untuk diri sendiri 2. CHUA CHOON ENG (P) sebagai ibu yang sah dan penanggungan kepada Tan Sing Shee simati, untuk diri sendiri

NEHDUMSELIAN A/L GUNALAN TAN WA YAM sebagai bapa yang sah dan penanggungan kepada Tan Sing Shee simati, untuk diri sendiri 2. CHUA CHOON ENG (P) sebagai ibu yang sah dan penanggungan kepada Tan Sing Shee simati, untuk diri sendiri

On a full review the High Court held the Sessions Judge correctly credited plaintiffs' oral and circumstantial evidence, found the Defendant's alternative explanation for right‑side damage not credible or corroborated, permissibly inferred contact with the deceased's motorcycle, and reasonably fixed monthly dependency at RM3,600 with multiplier 16 producing RM691,200; accordingly the appeal and cross‑appeal on quantum were dismissed and costs ordered.

Citation
JA-12B-19-02/2020 (Mahkamah Tinggi)
Parties
Appellant / Defendant (original): Nehdumselian A/L Gunalan; Respondent / Plaintiff (original): Tan Wa Yam; Respondent / Plaintiff (original): Chua Choon Eng
Court
High Court
Jurisdiction
Malaysia
Judgment Date
17 February 2021
Case Number
JA-12B-19-02/2020 (Mahkamah Tinggi)
Procedural Posture
Civil Appeal Against Sessions Court Judgment Arising From Fatal Motor Vehicle Accident Claim / Judgment on Appeal (high Court)
Outcome
Defendant's appeal dismissed; Plaintiffs' cross‑appeal on quantum dismissed
Legal Topics
Negligence, Damages, Loss of Dependency, Credibility of Witnesses, Burden of Proof, Admissibility of Documents, Circumstantial Evidence
Source Language
Malay/English
Tort Motor Vehicle Law Civil Evidence Civil Procedure Negligence Damages Loss of Dependency Credibility of Witnesses +3 more

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Parties

Nehdumselian A/L Gunalan

Appellant / Defendant (original)

Tan Wa Yam

Respondent / Plaintiff (original)

Chua Choon Eng

Respondent / Plaintiff (original)

Procedural Posture

Civil Appeal Against Sessions Court Judgment Arising From Fatal Motor Vehicle Accident Claim / Judgment on Appeal (high Court)

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the Defendant was negligent and 100% liable for the fatal collision
  2. 2 Whether the Sessions Judge erred in assessing credibility of witnesses and relying on circumstantial evidence
  3. 3 Whether Exhibits P13 and P14 (employer confirmation and payslip) were admissible and/or necessary to prove income

Ratio Decidendi

On a full review the High Court held the Sessions Judge correctly credited plaintiffs' oral and circumstantial evidence, found the Defendant's alternative explanation for right‑side damage not credible or corroborated, permissibly inferred contact with the deceased's motorcycle, and reasonably fixed monthly dependency at RM3,600 with multiplier 16 producing RM691,200; accordingly the appeal and cross‑appeal on quantum were dismissed and costs ordered.

Court Disposition

Defendant's appeal dismissed; Plaintiffs' cross‑appeal on quantum dismissed

Orders

  • Defendant's appeal dismissed with costs of RM5,000.00
  • Plaintiffs' cross appeal dismissed with costs of RM3,000.00 subject to allocatur fee