KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 7): The High Court on Wednesday dismissed an application by 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) and its four subsidiaries to extend a prohibitory order on a Penang bungalow owned by Puan Sri Goh Gaik Ewe. Goh is the mother of fugitive businessman Low Taek Jho, more commonly known as Jho Low.

The decision was delivered by High Court senior assistant registrar Qasiratul Jannah Usmani Othman following submissions heard last week.

Despite the dismissal, the court noted 1MDB is not prejudiced by the ruling, as it remains free to file a fresh application for a new prohibitory order.

1MDB filed for the extension on Dec 5, 2025 — one day after the previous order had expired. The status of the application was confirmed by Lee Shih from Messrs Lim Chee Wee Partnership, the law firm coordinating the various 1MDB lawsuits.

The legal battle over the property follows a judgement in default (JID) obtained by 1MDB and its associate companies against Goh on May 21, 2024. In that claim, 1MDB sought US$1.695 million (RM7.9 million) worth of jewellery allegedly bought for her using misappropriated 1MDB funds.

Upon securing the JID, 1MDB obtained the initial prohibitory order, which has now lapsed, to prevent Goh from dealing with or transferring the property.

The government had initially initiated separate forfeiture proceedings against Goh, her husband Tan Sri Larry Low Hock Peng, and several others regarding the bungalow and various assets. However, that forfeiture application was dismissed by the High Court in 2021.

Subsequently, 1MDB filed a civil suit against Goh, Hock Peng, Jho Low and his siblings Low Taek Szen and Low May Lin, as well as Jho Low’s associate Eric Tan Kim Loong. The company successfully obtained judgements against all of them.

A JID is granted to a plaintiff when the defendant fails to respond to the claims made against them. In Goh's case, her defence was dismissed after her legal counsel withdrew from representing her.

Goh, Hock Peng, Jho Low, his two siblings and Tan all remain at large and their current whereabouts are unknown.