Sarawak Legislature Passes Building (Amendment) Bill, 2025

KUCHING, Nov 24 (Bernama) -- The Sarawak State Legislative Assembly today passed the Building (Amendment) Bill 2025, introducing a new accreditation board to ensure the state’s regulatory framework to keep pace with the current and emerging trends in the building industry.

A total of 11 assemblymen took part in the debate, including one from the opposition party in the state, DAP, who declared support for the bill.

Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian who tabled the bill  said its key features include the establishment of the Sarawak Building Board and the Sarawak Building Board Fund.

“The functions of the Board includes regulating, overseeing and coordinating building practices in Sarawak, promoting consistency among local authorities, and ensuring local practices and technical standards meet both national and international requirements,” said Dr Sim who is also the Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government.

He said the fund will support research, training, digitalisation initiatives, and technical infrastructure to strengthen enforcement and compliance and may also finance capacity-building programmes for local authorities, professional certification, and green-building development.

Dr Sim said that as the state moves towards a greener and more resilient future, its laws and regulatory framework must evolve in line with rapidly changing sustainability standards and modern construction practices.

He noted that the Buildings Ordinance 1994 [Cap. 8] was last amended in 2004, and updating it demonstrates the government’s commitment to ensuring Sarawak’s development remains modern, safe, and aligned with sustainability goals.

“This bill aims to keep the regulatory framework aligned with current and emerging trends in the building industry. Recognising the need for stronger deterrence and better compliance, the Bill also seeks to update the penalty provisions to ensure they reflect the severity of offences under the Ordinance,” he said.

The amendment also allows for the appointment of a Registrar and Deputy Registrars of Green Buildings, who will be responsible for maintaining records, approving certifications, and monitoring compliance to establish a transparent and accountable governance system for green-building certification.

In addition, he said the bill strengthens regulations for professionals involved in building works by requiring the registration, regulation, and disciplinary oversight of architects, engineers, and other qualified personnel responsible for building design and construction supervision.

“By establishing a clear system of certification, registration, and professional frameworks, this bill positions Sarawak to accelerate green adoption and strengthen our transition towards a sustainable built environment,”Dr Sim said.

Earlier, Padungan assemblyman and Sarawak DAP chairman Chong Chieng Jen said the legislation is more than just a technical update.

“It is a strategic step forward towards modernising our building standards, strengthening enforcement, and aligning Sarawak’s development with sustainable and responsible building practices,” he added.

-- BERNAMA