Sarawak Green Building Bill Strengthen Governance, Ensures Standards, Says Lo Khere Chiang

suppadmin | November 25, 2025

Dato Ir Lo Khere Chiang today stressed that the proposed Building (Amendment) Bill is a critical step in establishing clear standards, ensuring professional accreditation, and positioning Sarawak to compete confidently in the global green economy.

“One major purpose of this Bill is to establish a Board responsible for regulating the appointment and accreditation of architects and engineers. Without such a body, unqualified individuals could carry out design work with no state oversight,” Lo said. “This Board will verify qualifications and ensure that only accredited professionals, including certified green architects, may undertake green building design.”

The Bill also provides for two additional Commissioners to strengthen enforcement powers, with authority to investigate, monitor, and act against non-compliance, ensuring the green building standards are properly implemented. “It is important to emphasise that the Board is a regulatory body. We cannot have an agency regulating policies, implementing projects, and approving the completed work simultaneously. That would create a conflict of interest,” he added.

Lo stressed that the Bill is about clarity, not delay. “Today, approvals are slow because standards are inconsistent. Councils differ, consultants differ, practitioners differ. This Bill establishes one authoritative standard, ensuring councils approve plans consistently and only certified professionals undertake green building work, reducing resubmissions and bottlenecks.”

He also highlighted the broader governance aspect. “Increasing the number of ministers ensures better distribution of responsibilities, stronger oversight, and a governance ecosystem that allows the Premier to focus on major strategic reforms. This Bill strengthens the Premier’s hand; it does not burden it.”

Lo criticised DAP Sarawak for opposing the Bill on what he described as ego rather than substance. “Accountability requires consistency, sincerity, and solutions are not theatrics, flip-flops, or opportunism. Sarawak deserves a real Opposition, not performers imported from Malayan parties.”