Public Authorities Protection Act 1948

The Public Authorities Protection Act 1948 is the Malaysian statute that sets a shorter deadline for suing the government or a public authority for an act or default in carrying out a public duty.

Where a road accident involves a vehicle belonging to a government body, such as a police, army or council vehicle, a claim generally must be brought within thirty-six months, a stricter deadline than the usual six-year period.^[1] This is explained in claiming against a government vehicle.

Courts have treated this shorter deadline as strict, so act early when a government vehicle is involved. Check early whether a government body owns the other vehicle, for example from its registration or livery.

An independent lawyer can take on a claim against a government body and keep to this deadline.