SUNWAY Real Estate Investment Trust (Sunway REIT) has been ordered to pay RM4.8 million in damages, a significant reduction from the original claim of RM90 million, following a legal dispute with Metroplex Holdings Sdn Bhd.

The case stemmed from the alleged conversion of various assets left behind at Sunway Putra Hotel when Sunway REIT took possession of the property in 2011.

Metroplex had initially claimed that various chattels and moveable items, valued at over RM80 million, were wrongfully retained when the hotel was handed over.

In its statement of claim, Metroplex sought damages of approximately RM90 million for the conversion of these assets.

However, in a ruling delivered by the High Court on November 12, 2024, Sunway REIT, through its trustee OSK Trustees Bhd (now known as RHB Trustees Bhd) and Sunway REIT Management Sdn Bhd, was ordered to pay RM4.8 million in damages. The amount awarded was substantially lower than the initial claim.

The total sum consists of RM1.8 million for operational chattels, RM434,760 for antiques, and RM2.6 million for artworks.

Additionally, the court ruled that interest will be charged at 5% per annum from the date of conversion in September 2011, until the full settlement is made.

The company was also required to pay legal costs of RM60,000. — TMR