LOCAL Authorities (PBT) can now coordinate the use of uniform building by-laws as well as deal with the problem of the construction of structures without PBT approval or illegal which is often a controversial issue, with the gazetting of the Uniform Building By-Laws (UBBL) 2022.
Deputy Chief Minister II cum Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam said before the UBBL 2022 was gazetted, there was inconsistency and non-uniformity in the administration, implementation and enforcement of building by-laws in each local authority.
In addition, the building by-laws that exist in some local governments are laws that are no longer relevant, he added.
“Therefore, the Ministry has taken the initiative through the Uniform Building By-Laws Review Committee 2022 to examine and review the building by-laws so that they are always relevant, up-to-date and meet current requirements.
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Dr Joachim said among the new and important amendments to the UBBL 2022 is the issuance of a Certificate of Completion and Compliance (CCC) by professionals or Principal Submitting Person (PSP) to replace the Occupation Certificate previously issued by PBT.
“PSP is a group of professionals consisting of architects, professional engineers and registered plan drafters.
“Issuance of CCC by PSP is self-certification and self-regulation and PBT can use its powers under by-law 216(4) and (5) UBBL 2022 to carry out inspections during construction to ensure that the building that is built complies with the approved building plan. If there is non-compliance, PBT can withhold the issuance of the CCC,” he said.
According to him, on the whole, UBBL 2022 is a positive step and has an adaptation to the practice of architecture and engineering today.
“Apart from that, the UBBL 2022 also provides stricter legal powers to impose a compound not exceeding RM5,000 and a penalty rate not exceeding RM100,000 against any person who violates the provisions under the UBBL 2022. “This indirectly allows PBT to deal with the problem of building of structures without PBT approval or illegal which is often a controversial issue in every PBT,” said Dr Joachim.
If viewed comprehensively, he said, UBBL 2022 provides some guidelines to PBT to provide the best service in overcoming inconsistencies in the administration, implementation and enforcement of building by-laws in each PBT.
“Hopefully this workshop will benefit all participants. The Ministry will always support the efforts implemented for the common good,” he added.
Earlier, Dr Joachim said the construction industry is one of the most important industries that contribute to the economy not only in Sabah but also throughout the country.
He said the construction industry is also an industry bound by the law, where every construction must follow the relevant laws to protect or control the aspects involved with construction, building occupants and structures.
Also present were Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Dr Jamili Nais, Deputy Permanent Secretary I Stanley Chong, Senior Engineer Isidore Ignatius Simin and LAr. Nurulhayati Awang More, as well as the Presidents of Tawau and Sandakan Municipal Councils, executive officers and Ministry officials.
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