MANY SABAH BUILDINGS UNSAFE: PAM

Kota Kinabalu, June 23, 2009: Many buildings in Sabah have been declared unsafe for occupancy because the designs were prepared by non-Sabah based consultants who may have lacked local knowledge and in supervision during the construction stage.

In a courtesy call to Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Haji Hajiji Haji Noor, the Pertubuhan Arkitek Malaysia (PAM) Sabah Chapter said some of the buildings had been in use for less than 10 years.

Towards this end, the PAM Sabah Chapter visiting members comprising Ho Jia Lit, Lo Su Yin, Victor Wong and chairman Sim Sie Hong emphasised the importance of engaging local architects (or in association with local architects) for projects in the State.

On this note, Hajiji supported the proposal by PAM Sabah Chapter to assist the Ministry to compile a list of architects residing and practising in Sabah for a proper control of "submitting persons' to make development and building plan submissions.

Delays caused by the referral of development and building plans to the Central Board for approval was also brought to his attention.

The Minister promised to hold more regular central board meetings if necessary and encouraged architects or developers to write to him directly should they face any problem or difficulties in their development plan submissions.

He was also in favour of endorsing the recently launched Architect Property Inspection Service, conducted by PAM.

Hajiji felt it would be beneficial to house buyers for an independent inspection report to be carried out by an architect before any dispute is brought to housing tribunals or the court.