Mr. Muhammad Valantino

Legal Counsel — Messrs S K Song

Mr. Muhammad Valantino serves as Legal Counsel at Messrs S K Song. A graduate of the University of Malaya with an LL.B (Hons) degree, he brings strong academic credentials and a keen analytical mind to the firm. The University of Malaya's Faculty of Law is Malaysia's premier legal education institution, and Mr. Muhammad's training there equipped him with a rigorous understanding of both the theoretical foundations and practical applications of Malaysian law.

At Messrs S K Song, Mr. Muhammad focuses on employment law, defamation and land acquisition matters. His practice involves a combination of advisory work, litigation and dispute resolution, and he is committed to providing clear, actionable legal advice that helps clients make informed decisions about their rights and obligations.

Employment Law

Mr. Muhammad advises both employers and employees on a comprehensive range of employment law matters under the Employment Act 1955, the Industrial Relations Act 1967 and related legislation. He handles cases involving unfair dismissal, retrenchment, constructive dismissal, workplace discrimination, breach of employment contracts and disciplinary proceedings. He has represented clients before the Industrial Court, the Labour Court and the Department of Labour, and is experienced in both pursuing and defending claims.

For employers, Mr. Muhammad provides proactive advice on compliance with employment legislation, drafting of employment contracts and workplace policies, management of disciplinary processes, and restructuring and retrenchment exercises. For employees, he offers clear guidance on their rights under the law, including minimum standards of employment, entitlements to benefits and the procedures for challenging unfair treatment in the workplace.

Defamation

Mr. Muhammad handles defamation matters, including libel and slander, for both claimants and defendants. In the digital age, defamation disputes increasingly arise from online publications, social media posts and digital communications. Mr. Muhammad advises on the Defamation Act 1957 and the common law principles governing defamation in Malaysia, including the defences of justification, fair comment and qualified privilege. He assists clients in sending cease-and-desist letters, demanding retractions and apologies, and where necessary, pursuing or defending defamation claims in court.

His understanding of the intersection between defamation law, media law and the digital landscape enables him to provide practical advice on managing reputational risks and responding to defamatory publications effectively and proportionately.

Land Acquisition

Land acquisition by the government under the Land Acquisition Act 1960 is an area of law that directly affects property owners in Johor, where rapid development continues to drive compulsory acquisition of land for public purposes and economic development. Mr. Muhammad advises landowners on their rights when their property is subject to acquisition, including the assessment of compensation, the valuation process and the procedures for objecting to the acquisition or challenging the quantum of compensation awarded.

The land acquisition process involves multiple stages — from the gazette notification and entry upon the land to the inquiry by the Land Administrator and potential references to the High Court. Mr. Muhammad guides clients through each stage, ensuring that their interests are protected and that they receive fair compensation for any land compulsorily acquired. He works closely with independent valuers to build strong cases for enhanced compensation where the initial award is inadequate.

Professional Approach

Mr. Muhammad is dedicated to providing thorough, client-focused legal services. He takes the time to understand each client's unique situation and objectives, and develops tailored strategies designed to achieve the best possible outcome. His academic background at the University of Malaya, combined with his practical experience at Messrs S K Song, enables him to handle complex legal issues with confidence and clarity.

If you need advice or representation in an employment dispute, a defamation matter or a land acquisition case, Mr. Muhammad Valantino is available for consultation at Messrs S K Song. Contact the firm to schedule an appointment.