PAM wants to meet govt
Group calls for engagement before law is amended
PETALING JAYA:
The Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM) wants an engagement session with the government before any proposal is made to amend the law.
Its president Ezumi Harzani Ismail said it applauded efforts by the Department of Occupational Safety and Health to improve construction site safety and health practice through the amendment of legislation.
“But proper engagement with architects, engineers, builders, developers and other stakeholders should be conducted prior to introducing the new laws.
“As the lead consultant in building construction, architects carry the main responsibility as the principal submitting person and shall be responsible for the design.
“It is inappropriate to put the blame for any construction mishap such as site accident on the architect without proper consideration of the root cause. This will not be acceptable by the industry,” he said.
Ezumi said this in response to a recent exclusive report by The Star that there would be proposed amendments to the Occupational Health and Safety Act 1994.
Among others, it proposed to hold project owners and designers responsible for construction safety and health, alongside employers and main contractors, as well as an increase in the maximum fine allowed.
The draft is expected to be tabled in the coming Parliament session.
Ezumi said there were already safeguards in place to regulate the architectural practice and penalise architects, who commit offences under the Architects Act 1967.
“The Board of Architects Malaysia also has the authority to regulate the practice and take necessary action.
“Any misconduct or complaint lodged against its member will be investigated by the board’s disciplinary committee.
“Those found guilty can be fined up to RM100,000 or up to three years’ suspension of registration or deregistration from the board,” he said.
As the lead consultant in building construction, architects carry the main responsibility as the principal submitting person and shall be responsible for the design. Ezumi Harzani Ismail