THE State Legislative Assembly today (Nov 24) passed the Building (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which was earlier tabled by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.
In his winding up speech, Dr Sim said Sarawak wants its own regulatory system to recognise engineers and architects according to Sarawak’s standards.
“You cannot sign a building plan when you don’t know Sarawak’s laws. This is how it is, and this shows how important it is.
“One of the matters raised by Sarawak Housing and Real Estate Developers’ Association (SHEDA) and others is the need for qualified, accredited checkers. They pointed out that in West Malaysia, there is no need to wait for the council to conduct checks.
“They don’t have to, because it takes time. Having accredited professional checkers is an option to conduct checks on behalf of the council. The option remains. The council remains. This is not meant to sideline the council,” he told the august House.
He explained that concerns over manpower should not be an issue, as the law will only be implemented once Sarawak is fully prepared, and not immediately.
He added that discussions are ongoing to address administrative matters involving agencies such as the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) and SHEDA.
The Bill was debated by 12 assemblymen and subsequently received majority support.
