A Malaysian resident, Mohd Nazli Ahmad Mahyadin, was forced to live in constant fear for seven years due to a dangerous proximity to a golf course. His private home in Kedah was regularly subjected to chaotic stray golf balls, causing severe property damage and posing a threat to the safety of the residents.
High Court Decision and Extent of Damage
Following a lengthy legal battle, the Alor Setar High Court issued a landmark ruling ordering the operator of the 'Darulaman' golf resort and the land-owning company to pay the affected retiree compensation of 100,000 ringgit, approximately equivalent to $25,000 USD. According to the case files, starting from late 2018, the plaintiff's family repeatedly dealt with golf balls breaking roof tiles, puncturing aviary roofs, and shattering windows. Between August 2019 and January 2026 alone, the homeowner was forced to file 16 police reports regarding these incidents.
Legal Evaluation and Ineffectiveness of Protective Measures
In her detailed 21-page verdict, Judge Aimi Zaini emphasized that the lawful commercial operation of a golf course must not violate citizens' fundamental rights to home security and property protection. The court deemed previous corrective measures undertaken by the operator, including the installation of safety nets in December 2020 and further reinforcement in 2024, as 'reactive, delayed, and clearly ineffective.' The defendants are now required not only to pay the total sum alongside 20,000 ringgit in legal costs but also to drastically enhance safety measures within 60 days, including increasing the height of safety netting and repositioning tee boxes.
