Atlan's Singapore-Listed Unit Objects to RM70M Compensation for Land Acquisition, Plans High Court Challenge
Atlan Holdings Bhd’s 75.53%-owned subsidiary, Duty Free International Ltd (DFIL), listed on the Singapore Exchange, plans to object to the RM69.9 million compensation offered for two pieces of land in Bukit Kayu Hitam, Kedah, which were acquired by Malaysia's Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN) for a road project.
Following legal advice, DFIL will accept the compensation under protest and will file an objection in the High Court under Sections 37 and 38(1) of Malaysia's Land Acquisition Act 1960, DFIL’s executive director Lee Sze Siang stated in a regulatory filing.
The land in question belongs to Cergasjaya Sdn Bhd and Cergasjaya Properties Sdn Bhd (CPPA), two indirect wholly-owned units of Atlan, and is crucial for DFIL's duty-free business, which contributed 24% to its revenue for the financial year ending Feb 29, 2024.
The oral compensation award of RM69.9 million was provided by the Kedah Department of Director General of Lands and Mines after an acquisition enquiry process on Nov 6, followed by a formal notice on Nov 12. DFIL has expressed dissatisfaction with the award and will pursue a land reference appeal in the High Court, although the financial impact remains unquantified pending the court decision.
DFIL advised shareholders to exercise caution and awaits further announcements on the case’s developments.
Atlan’s shares remained untraded on Tuesday, with its last closing price at RM2.75, reflecting a market cap of RM697.5 million, while DFIL shares last traded at 7.4 Singapore cents, giving a market valuation of S$88.67 million.
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