GEORGE TOWN, January 11 – The family of two Chinese tourists killed by a fallen tree at the Pinang Peranakan Museum last September is demanding RM1.7 million in compensation, citing negligence from multiple parties. Represented by lawyer Ng Kian Nam, the family has issued letters of demand to the museum operator, the landowner, a local tour agency, the driver engaged by the agency, and the owner of the property where the tree was located.
Liu Zhu, 69, and his daughter Liu Xinxin, 36, lost their lives when a tree fell onto their parked vehicle on September 18. Their family alleges that the tragedy could have been avoided had the parties involved taken basic safety precautions, such as maintaining the hazardous tree or issuing warnings about storm risks. The family also criticized the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) for only issuing a nuisance notice regarding the tree two days after the incident.
Yang Xueli, widow of Liu Zhu and mother of Liu Xinxin, spoke emotionally during a Zoom press conference, describing the unbearable loss of her husband and daughter. She shared how her 11-year-old grandson continues to wait for his mother to return. “This was not just an accident; it was caused by human error,” Yang said, questioning the lack of preventive measures.
The family is also considering legal action against MBPP for failing to enforce public safety measures and ensure proper liability insurance within its jurisdiction. Liu Yuhui, son and brother of the deceased, criticized the local tour agency for hiring an unlicensed driver and allegedly ignoring warnings of severe weather. “It was as if they sent my family into danger without a care for their lives,” he lamented.
The family hopes their demands will lead to accountability and measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The involved parties have been given 14 days to respond, with the family prepared to pursue legal action if their demands are not met.
