Limitation law plays an important role in the administration of civil justice in Malaysia. It determines when legal proceedings may be commenced, when rights are extinguished by time, and when access to the courts is effectively barred. The rules of limitation are often deployed by defendants as a threshold defence against actions that have been instituted. Limitation undoubtedly forms a substantive body of rules that shapes outcomes in real and often life-changing disputes.

Recognising the criticality of time-bar, this book provides a vital exposition of the law of limitation currently applicable in Peninsular and East Malaysia. It provides a clear statement of the law relating to limitation of actions in Malaysia and comprehensively examines the ways in which the existing framework may be improved to promote fairness, clarity and legal certainty. The Limitation Act 1953, the Limitation Ordinances of Sabah and Sarawak and other related legislation are closely studied to extract the workings of their intricate details.

This book adopts both an analytical and a reform-oriented approach. It brings together statutory provisions, judicial decisions and comparative material to provide a coherent account of Malaysian limitation law as it stands, while also identifying areas where the law produces unjust or inefficient outcomes. Where appropriate, reference is made to developments in other common law jurisdictions to illuminate how alternative approaches might better serve the interests of justice.

This new addition to the Malaysian Litigation Series will undoubtedly provide a contemporary and up-to-date reference to strengthen the armoury of every litigator which is indispensable to practitioners, judges, academics, and students.

Key Features

Comprehensive coverage of Malaysian limitation law

A clear and systematic analysis of the Limitation Act 1953, the Limitation Ordinances of Sabah and Sarawak and related legislation, supported by Malaysian and Commonwealth case law.

Critical examination of shortcomings

Identifies gaps, ambiguities and outdated features in Malaysia’s limitation framework that operate unfairly against litigants.

Reform-oriented perspective

Goes beyond stating the law by analysing how and why reform is needed, drawing on comparative developments in other common law jurisdictions.

Detailed treatment of difficult and emerging areas

Including postponement of time, acknowledgment and part-payment, disability, concealment, equitable limitation and the interaction between limitation and procedural law.

Designed for both students and practitioners

Written in a style that is academically rigorous yet accessible, making it suitable for law students, legal academics, practising lawyers and judges.

A practical research and reference tool

Includes statutory extracts, case analysis and commentary to support quick and reliable legal research.

Advocates a fair and more modern approach to time-barred claims

Highlights how the law can better balance certainty with access to justice in Malaysia.

Table of Contents

1. An Overview of Limitation Laws in Malaysia
2. Limitation Periods for Contracts
3. Limitation Periods for Specific Contracts
4. Limitation Periods for Actions in Tort
5. Limitation Periods for Actions Concerning Land and Charges Over Land, Trusts and Estates
6. Special Periods of Limitation
7. Enlargement of Time