TONG XHIN TRADING v Pendakwa Raya

aa-41h-13-08-2025 High Court (Mahkamah Tinggi) 22 April 2026 • AA-41H-13-08/2025 • 12 min read
13 cases cited (0 SG, 13 foreign)

Outcome

CONCLUSION 335 [22] For the reasons stated above, the appeal is allowed. The order of forfeiture of the semitrailer KEJ9915/T/A8496 is set aside. The vehicle is ordered to be released to the appellant forthwith. The fine of RM35,000.00 is maintained.

Quoted verbatim from the judgment of High Court (Mahkamah Tinggi) (aa-41h-13-08-2025). Read the full judgment on the official Malaysia Courts portal for the complete decision.

Catchwords

ROAD TRANSPORT AND PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Overloading offence – Forfeiture of semitrailer – Appeal against forfeiture order – Whether forfeiture under section 80(4) Land Public Transport Act 2010 mandatory or discretionary – Interpretation of sections 80(3) and 80(4) – Whether word “shall” automatically renders forfeiture mandatory – Whether statutory provisions must be read harmoniously and not in isolation – Whether court retains discretion to order forfeiture or release – Whether forfeiture disproportionate to gravity of offence – Fine of RM35,000 imposed on a First-time offender against maximum fine of RM500,000 – Whether forfeiture imposed constitutes a “crushing effect” on appellant’s business operations – Whether punishment manifestly excessive – Whether appellate intervention justified.

Practice Areas

Statutory Interpretation Criminal Procedure

Judges (1)

Moses Susayan Delivered

Counsel (5)

Kesh, Dave & Partners Firm Perak State Legal Adviser's Office Firm Geetha Jora Singh Counsel Prosecution Keshvinder Singh Counsel Appellant Teeban Kumar Counsel Appellant

Parties (2)

Pendakwa Raya Respondent Tong Xhin Trading Appellant

Cases Cited (13)

UK (2)
[2005] UKHL 49 [2006] 1 AC 340
MY (11)
[1969] 1 MLRH 473 [1970] 1 MLJ 5 [1976] 1 MLRH 23 [1976] 2 MLJ 256 [2020] 5 MLJ 417 [2020] 8 CLJ 267 [2020] MLJU 2383 [2022] 3 MLJ 450 [2022] 4 CLJ 657 [2025] MLJU 25 [2025] MLJU 4364

Judgment

Read the full judgment on the official Malaysia Courts portal.

Read on eJudgment

Source: eJudgment (aa-41h-13-08-2025)