Claim That Local Engineers Lack Professional Recognition Is Unfounded - Nanta

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 27 (Bernama) -- "The claim that local expert engineers are not recognised as professionals due to the supposed lack of a structured expertise module or a specific accrediting agency, which allegedly impacts their careers, is inaccurate and unfounded.

Minister of Works, Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, said the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM), established under the Engineers Registration Act 1967 (Act 138), is responsible for regulating, registering, and recognising professional engineers.

“The pathway to recognition is clear, structured, and transparent through the Professional Assessment Examination (PAE).

“Additionally, BEM has long implemented outcome-based assessments across 30 engineering disciplines,” he said when officiating the 2026 BEM meeting with Malaysian Engineering Institutions and Associations, as well as the launch of the BEM Strategic Plan 2026–2030 here today.

Also present was BEM president Datuk Seri Ir Roslan Ismail. 

Nanta said  all engineers involved in the country's development are required to be registered with BEM, and this registration is a key requirement for employment in the engineering sector, both in the public and private sectors.

BEM is the sole statutory body that recognises the engineering profession, including expert engineers, and accredits engineering programmes at diploma and degree levels to ensure quality from the outset,” he said.

To date, BEM has registered over 290,000 engineering practitioners across various categories, though there are still some who are believed to be unregistered.

Nanta also announced that the government is reviewing amendments to the Registration of Engineers Act 1967 (Act 138) to strengthen BEM's enforcement capabilities.

“These amendments are aimed at enhancing BEM’s regulatory power to ensure compliance and protect public interests. I hope this important amendment will be passed soon,” he added.

On the launch of the BEM Strategic Plan 2026–2030, Nanta said the plan sets the direction for the country’s engineering sector with four key pillars: talent, governance, recognition, and innovation.

This plan aligns with the Works Ministry's Strategic Plan for 2026–2030, aiming to improve industry capabilities and competitiveness through human capital development.

  -- BERNAMA