by Yvonne T
KUCHING, Nov 24: The Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) has unanimously passed the Building (Amendment) Bill 2025, paving way for the creation of the Sarawak Building Board (SBB) and introducing stricter penalties for building failures as well as stronger enforcement of green building standards.
The Bill, tabled by Deputy Premier and Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government (MPHLG) Sarawak, Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, was approved during the DUS sitting today.
Dr Sim said the amendments were both necessary and timely, noting that Sarawak’s building laws must keep pace with rapidly evolving sustainability requirements and modern construction practices.
“Our initiative to update the Ordinance reflects our commitment to ensure that the development in Sarawak remains modern, safe and fully aligned with sustainability standards. This Bill aims to ensure that the regulatory framework remains aligned with current and emerging trends in the building industry,” he said, adding that the Building Ordinance 1994 (CAP. 8) was last amended more than 20 years ago, in 2004.
A key feature of the amendment is the establishment of the SBB, a State-level corporate body that will regulate and oversee building practices across Sarawak. The Board will work to harmonise standards among local authorities and ensure that local practices meet both national and international requirements for the building industry.
The amendment also provides for the creation of the Sarawak Building Board Fund, which will finance research, training programmes, digital systems, and technical infrastructure essential for enforcement and compliance. The fund may also support capacity-building initiatives for local authorities, professional certification programmes, and green building incentives.
The Bill introduces new environmental sustainability requirements, including compliance with approved green building rating tools as prescribed by the relevant authorities. It also requires green building certification bodies and practitioners to register with the Board before operating in Sarawak.
The amendments also strengthen regulatory oversight of architects, engineers, and other qualified professionals involved in building design and construction.
“It also introduces the registration and regulates the practice of accredited checkers who are independent and responsible for checking structural designs and ensuring the construction compliance with the building plan.
“This provides a second tier of technical scrutiny and enhances overall public safety assurance. The Bill empowers the Board to formulate the disciplinary framework to undertake any disciplinary action against any qualified persons and accredited checkers for any misconduct and impose penalties. This will ensure accountability, uphold professional standards and protect the public interest,” Dr Sim told the august House.
In his winding-up speech, he emphasised that the amendment allows Sarawak to regulate its own architects and engineers to ensure that local buildings meet Sarawak’s standards.
“SBB is going to be a professional board. Anyone who is going to practise in Sarawak needs to be qualified under this board. It must be by Sarawak standards. You cannot sign a building plan when you do not know Sarawak law,” he stressed.
He also clarified that the Bill will not replace the role of local councils in certifying building plans, but will allow developers to engage accredited local checkers to verify building plans.
Responding to concerns about the limited number of Green Building Index (GBI) practitioners in Sarawak, Dr Sim said the new green requirements will only come into force once the government and relevant agencies are ready, ensuring sufficient time to develop the necessary manpower. – DayakDaily
