Johor Bahru
Defamation lawyers in Johor Bahru
How defamation matters for clients in Johor Bahru usually run, which courts hear them, and where to find our office.
Chris & Partners acts for clients in Johor Bahru on defamation matters. Dr Chee Hui Bing, who leads the firm, is an Advocate & Solicitor and a former medical doctor. We work in English, Bahasa Malaysia and Chinese.
Courts that hear these matters
- Johor Bahru High Court (Sultan Ismail Court Complex): civil claims above RM1 million, divorce petitions and serious criminal matters
How the process usually works
- We preserve the evidence of the publication, such as screenshots and links, with dates.
- A letter of demand asks for removal, an apology and a retraction.
- Where needed, an interim injunction can be sought to take content down before trial, and a Norwich Pharmacal order to identify an anonymous publisher.
- If not resolved, a civil claim under the Defamation Act 1957 is filed in the High Court.
Our office for Johor Bahru
Johor Bahru (Setia Tropika)
No. 8-01, Jalan Setia Tropika 1/29, Taman Setia Tropika, 81200 Johor Bahru, Johor
Johor Bahru (Setia Tropika) · Google Maps · Waze
Common questions
What must I prove in a defamation claim?
Four elements: a defamatory statement, meaning one that lowers you in the estimation of right-thinking members of society; reference to you, by name, photo or context; publication to at least one third party; and actual or likely injury to your reputation. Online posts count as libel, which is actionable without proof of special damage.
Can I sue for defamation on social media or WhatsApp?
Yes. Malaysian law applies the same principles online. A Facebook post, Instagram caption, X thread, TikTok video, Google review, blog comment or WhatsApp message can be defamatory. A message in a private WhatsApp group is actionable if it is defamatory, refers to you and is read by at least one other member. Online posts may also engage section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
What is the difference between libel and slander?
Libel is defamation in a permanent form, such as writing, broadcasts and online posts. Slander is defamation in a passing form, such as spoken words or gestures. Libel is actionable without proof of special damage. Slander generally needs proof of special damage, with narrow exceptions in the Defamation Act 1957, for example imputing a crime or unfitness for a profession.
Someone posted a defamatory comment about me. What should I do first?
Screenshot the post with the URL and date visible, along with the poster's profile. Then a letter of demand can be sent requiring takedown, retraction and an apology; where the poster is identifiable, this often leads to takedown within days. If the poster is anonymous, a Norwich Pharmacal disclosure order can be sought against the platform to identify the account holder.
Guides on this topic
- Name-and-shame on Facebook: lessons from the Johor Bahru doula case
- Who Can Sue for Defamation? Governments, Ministers and Political Parties
- Half-truths in a condo WhatsApp group: the Federal Court’s warning
- Section 233 After Heidy Quah: When an Online Post Becomes a Crime
- Residents v the Gold Mine: What Raub v Hue Shieh Lee Means for Online Critics
- Anonymous online? How the courts identified the blogger behind Papagomo
Every matter is different, and timelines depend on the court and the parties. This page is general information, not legal advice. Defamation and online defamation
Facing a similar situation? WhatsApp us a short summary. Please do not send confidential documents until we confirm we can act for you.
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Speak to us in English, Bahasa Malaysia or 中文. Please do not send confidential documents until we confirm we can act for you.