THE just-passed Building (Amendment) Bill, 2025 which paved the way for the establishment of the Sarawak Building Board (SBB) is strictly a regulatory body, says Batu Kitang assemblyman Datuk Lo Khere Chiang.
He said there could not be an agency regulating policies, planning and implementing a project, and then approving the completed work, as that would create a clear conflict of interest.
“I want to rebut what Padungan assemblyman Chong Chieng Jen mentioned regarding the Bill yesterday (Nov 24).
“Chong was saying the board must not replace the council’s work. I want to explain here that the objective of the Bill is to allow the creation of a board of management. A board regulates, it is a regulatory body,” he said in a media conference at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) Complex today.
He added the governance structure must remain clean and professional where the Board regulates, while agencies implement according to the policies and standards set by the Board.
Lo further explained that a major purpose of the Bill was to establish a Board responsible for regulating the appointment and accreditation of architects and engineers.
“Without such a body, anyone could come from outside the region claiming to be an architect or engineer and carry out design work with no state oversight.
“Thus, the Board will verify qualifications and ensure that only accredited professionals — including those certified as green architects — may undertake green building design,” he said.
He also said the Bill provides for two additional Commissioners to strengthen enforcement powers, with the Commissioners having the authority to investigate, monitor and act against non-compliance, ensuring that the green building standards established under the law are properly implemented and enforceable.
“This Bill creates clarity, not delay,” he pointed out, adding that the Board does not replace councils, instead empowers them.
Lo stressed that the Bill is about establishing standards, ensuring credibility and positioning Sarawak to compete confidently in the global green economy.
“By establishing a single, authoritative technical standard for green buildings, the Board ensures councils finally approve plans consistently — without relying on scattered interpretations that vary from one officer or consultant to another,” he said.
He said only certified green architects and engineers will be allowed to undertake such work, reducing resubmissions, disputes and bottlenecks.
“Sarawak cannot attract international green capital with outdated or inconsistent building provisions that global investors will not recognise. Thus, the Bill lifts Sarawak to global standards,” he said.
Lo also addressed concerns that there may not be enough qualified practitioners.
“But if Sarawak had waited for hydrogen experts to exist before entering the hydrogen economy, we would still be waiting today.
“Leadership means establishing the framework first and then building the talent pipeline.
“That is how Sarawak has successfully advanced in hydrogen, carbon markets, energy transition — and now green buildings,” he said.
The Building (Amendment) Bill 2025, tabled by Deputy Premier and Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian at the DUN sitting was unanimously passed yesterday (Nov 24).
