Malaysia Orders Compensation for 13 Activists Detained During 2021 Candlelight Vigil

The Kuala Lumpur High Court ruled on 29 July 2026 that the Government of Malaysia must pay a total of RM195,000 to 13 activists who were detained during a candlelight vigil at Merdeka Square on 19 August 2021. Each activist will receive RM15,000 in compensation plus 5 % annual interest until full payment.

Justice Datuk Anand Ponnudurai held that the police arrests and four‑hour detention were unlawful and violated the activists’ constitutional rights under Articles 5(1) and 5(3) of the Federal Constitution. The court found the government vicariously liable for the police actions, but dismissed claims for exemplary damages and tortious liability.

The activists had been protesting to remember Covid‑19 victims when they were arrested. The judgment underscores the court’s emphasis on upholding constitutional freedoms and the requirement for lawful police conduct.