This paper examines the application of the actual occurrence rule in determining the limitation period for latent personal injuries under the Malaysian Limitation Act 1953. Latent personal injuries are not immediately discoverable at the time they occur. However, the Limitation Act imposes a six-year limitation period for civil claims related to such injuries, commencing from the date of their actual occurrence. The actual occurrence rule calculates the limitation period from the day the injury takes place, regardless of when it is discovered. In contrast, the discovery rule allows the limitation period to begin from the date the injury is discovered, rather than when it occurred. While other common law countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia and Singapore have adopted the discovery rule, Malaysia has yet to follow suit. This paper analyses the application of the discovery rule in determining the limitation period for latent personal injuries in the UK, Australia and Singapore, before proposing for its adoption in the Malaysian Limitation Act 1953. Aligning with common law legal developments, the adoption of the discovery rule would ensure greater access to justice for victims of negligence who suffer latent personal injuries.
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