By Amanda L
KUCHING, Nov 24: The proposed Sarawak Building Board will become a centralised professional authority regulating standards, qualifications and governance in the State’s building and construction sector under the Building Amendment Bill 2025, Tamin assemblyman Ir Christopher Gira Sambang said.
Supporting the Bill tabled by Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) sitting today, Gira said the initiative marks a long overdue overhaul of an outdated framework still anchored to the Building Ordinance 1994.
“One of the significant features of this Bill is the establishment of the Sarawak Building Board as a new corporate body. This is a centralised professional authority that will determine qualifications of Qualified Persons, Accredited Checkers and Green Building Practitioners, conduct competency assessments, develop professional standards and regulate the industry in an organised and transparent manner,” he said during his debate of the Bill.
He said the SBB is crucial to strengthening accountability and restoring integrity within the industry, particularly in addressing unsafe practices and weak enforcement.
“With clear disciplinary powers, the Board can act decisively against misconduct, negligence and non-compliance. This is vital to prevent unsafe structures, unqualified design practices and irresponsible rubber-stamping of documents,” he added.
He stated that the Bill makes registration with the Board compulsory to ensure that only properly qualified and professionally assessed individuals are permitted to undertake critical building functions. He said this safeguard is essential for public safety, noting that building design and construction must be entrusted to competent and accountable professionals, and that mandatory registration and assessment ensure only experienced and recognised practitioners are allowed to operate.
Gira said the establishment of the SBB will streamline approval and enforcement processes by removing overlaps and improving coordination, while positioning Sarawak closer to international standards in sustainability and modern building governance.
“This amendment is not a mere touch-up. It is a major overhaul designed to keep Sarawak forward-looking, competitive and well-prepared for development challenges beyond 2030,” he stressed.
He stressed that the creation of the Board reflects the State government’s commitment to safer, more sustainable and professionally regulated buildings as Sarawak advances its development agenda. — DayakDaily
