Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Water Department (Jans) has agreed, in principle, to work with the Association of Consulting Engineers Malaysia (Acem) Sabah branch to hold a technical sharing session aimed at improving the quality of engineering plan submissions and expediting approval processes through closer collaboration.
The proposed session, to be organised by Acem Sabah, will provide a platform for Submitting Persons and Engineering Consultancy Practices (ECPs) to exchange views with JANS on the latest submission guidelines, regulatory requirements and technical standards.
The agreement was among the outcomes of an official courtesy visit by an ACEM Sabah delegation, led by its Chairman Ir. Benny Song, to Jans Director Chee Chun Chieh at the department’s headquarters, where both sides discussed ways to work together more closely.
The meeting discussed technical issues, policy implementation and administrative procedures affecting water supply infrastructure and building development in the State, with both sides sharing views on possible ways forward.
Song said that continuous engagement between regulatory authorities and practising professionals was important for addressing operational challenges together and ensuring that consultants remained up to date on the department’s latest requirements.
“We are deeply grateful to the Director and the management team at the state Water Department for their proactive approach and open dialogue.
“By addressing technical challenges collaboratively and ensuring our practising engineers are aligned with the department’s latest procedural frameworks, we can streamline approvals and elevate the standard of water engineering infrastructure in Sabah,” he said.
The ACEM Sabah delegation included Deputy Chairman Ir. Wah Kheng Haw, Honorary Secretary Datuk Ir. Ts. Dr. Amarjit Singh, Honorary Treasurer Ir. Kenny Lo and Exco Member Ir. Mohd Arzahri.
Also present were past chairpersons Ir. Tan Kok Yon, Ir. Lee Tet Fon and Ir. Ts. Tan Kok Jyh, JP.
Chee received them, Deputy Directors Tam Yin Foon and Hj Bahrin Antonio, as well as senior engineering officers of the department.
ACEM Sabah said it would continue working with government agencies and technical departments to support a more efficient and sustainable built environment in the State.
