Dato Ir Batu Kitang State Assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang said the Building Amendment Bill 2025 is a crucial step in strengthening Sarawaks commitment to green development, ensuring clear standards and stronger regulatory oversight for sustainable construction.

Lo said the Bill lays the legal foundation for defining and regulating green buildings in Sarawak, including the use of approved sustainable materials, efficient water reuse, and features that help reduce carbon emissions in line with the states environmental goals.

He noted that some existing buildings had failed to qualify as green buildings simply because the materials used were not formally recognised. The new amendments, he said, prevent such uncertainties by setting enforceable standards for architects and developers.

Lo explained that the Bill will establish a Board responsible for appointing and accrediting architects and engineers. This is to prevent unqualified individuals from outside the region from carrying out design work without proper oversight. Only accredited professionals, including certified green architects, will be allowed to undertake green building design.

The Bill also introduces two additional Commissioners to strengthen enforcement, giving authorities the power to investigate and act against non compliance to ensure that green building standards are properly implemented.

Responding to remarks from the Member for Padungan, Lo said the Bill should not be held back by uncertainty.

With respect, legislation cannot be held hostage by indecision, he said.

Lo stressed that the concerns raised about delays, layers, councils, sub soil discharge, and practitioners arise from a misunderstanding of the Bills purpose. He emphasised that the Bill does not create delay, but instead creates clarity.

He outlined five key points:

One Board and one standard
Lo said the Board does not replace councils but provides clear technical standards so councils can approve plans consistently instead of relying on scattered interpretations.

Preventing unqualified practitioners
Delays today often come from unqualified persons submitting weak claims on green criteria. The Bill ensures that only certified green architects and engineers handle such work from the start.

Global credibility
What Padungan calls bureaucracy is what international investors see as credibility, bankability, and readiness. Sarawak cannot attract global investment with outdated building laws.

Talent development
A shortage of practitioners is not a reason to delay the law, Lo said. Frameworks must come first before talent can be developed, just as Sarawak did with hydrogen.

Incentives are separate
Matters such as rebates and premiums are administrative tools. They support the law, not delay it.

Lo said Sarawak must legislate based on vision, not hesitation.

This Bill provides clarity, credibility, and the institutional backbone for a green and advanced Sarawak. It reflects the Premiers call for the state to lead in the global green revolution and to show genuine commitment toward reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable construction.

Lo declared his full support for the Bill.

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