THE proposed establishment of the Sarawak Building Board must be clearly defined to avoid overlapping roles with existing professional bodies, says Meradong assemblyman Datuk Ding Kuong Hiing.
Calling the Board “one of the most consequential proposals” in the amendment, Ding said its functions must be clearly distinguished from statutory professional bodies such as the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM), Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM), and Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM).
“We must clearly define what falls under the new Board and what remains under BEM, PAM and other statutory bodies. Such clarity will ensure smooth coordination and prevent ambiguity,” he said when debating the Building (Amendment) Bill 2025 at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today (Nov 24).
Ding said the amendment is timely, in line with the Premier’s emphasis on reducing carbon emissions, strengthening environmental sustainability and preparing Sarawak for future challenges.
However, he noted that transparency in the appointment of board members was also crucial.
“The Bill does not specify the qualifications required to be appointed to the Board. For it to function effectively and gain public trust, its membership must be based on technical expertise, proven experience and professional competency,” he said.
He stressed that the Board should not become “merely another administrative body,” but an independent and credible regulator.
Ding also raised concerns over the readiness of local authorities (LAs), which he described as the frontliners of building control.
“Many local authorities, especially district councils, still face limited technical manpower, a lack of specialised officers in green building engineering and inconsistent interpretation of new standards,” he said.
He urged for upskilling programmes, training and adequate resources to support effective implementation once the Board is established.
On the Bill’s introduction of green building provisions, Ding said while the direction is aligned with Sarawak’s green agenda, several ambiguities must be addressed.
Among them are whether the green building requirements apply to all developments, what certification standards Sarawak intends to adopt, and the shortage of green building professionals in the state.
“If the Ordinance mandates green compliance but industry readiness is low, this may slow down development, increase project costs and reduce approval efficiency,” he said.
Despite the concerns raised, Ding affirmed his backing for the Bill.
“The Building Amendment Bill is a progressive and forward-looking reform. It reflects Sarawak’s commitment to modernising our built environment, strengthening public health, promoting sustainability and supporting our long-term green economy agenda.
“With proper consultation and implementation, this Ordinance will guide, strengthen and propel Sarawak’s development for decades to come,” he said.
