Dr Sim (fifth left) in a photo call with Sarawak United People’s Party lawmakers and officials at the State Legislative Assembly Complex.
KUCHING (Nov 24): The State Legislative Assembly (DUN) has passed the Building (Amendment) Bill 2025, which seeks to modernise the state’s building regulatory framework, enhance sustainability standards, and introduce green building requirements.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, who tabled the Bill, said Sarawak is moving towards a greener and more resilient future.
He said that laws and regulatory frameworks must evolve in tandem with fast-changing sustainability standards and modern construction practices.
“The Building Ordinance 1994, last amended in 2004, needed updating to ensure development in Sarawak remains modern, safe, and fully aligned with sustainability standards,” he said.
Dr Sim, who is Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, added that the Bill aims to align the regulatory framework with current and emerging trends in the building industry while strengthening deterrence through updated penalty provisions for offences under the Ordinance.
The legislation supports the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030, which seeks to ensure development policies benefit both urban and rural communities.
A key feature of the Bill is the establishment of the Sarawak Building Board (SBB), a corporate body tasked with regulating building practices, promoting consistency among local authorities, and ensuring that local technical standards meet national and international requirements.
“The Bill also provides for the Sarawak Building Board Fund, which will finance research, training, digital systems, technical infrastructure, capacity building programmes for local authorities, professional certifications, and green building initiatives,” Dr Sim said.
According to him, revenue from registration or licensing fees can be channelled to improve the quality and safety of Sarawak’s built environment.
He said the legislation codifies environmental sustainability and green building practices, requiring green building certification bodies and practitioners to be registered with the SBB before operating in the state.
A registrar and deputy registrar of green buildings will be appointed to maintain records, approve certifications, and monitor compliance.
“This establishes a transparent and accountable governance structure for green building certifications in Sarawak and strengthens public trust in certified practices. This is also the first law in Malaysia to regulate green buildings and their certification.
“The Bill also strengthens the regulatory framework governing professionals involved in building works, including architects, engineers, and other qualified persons, and introduces independent accredited checkers to ensure construction compliance with approved plans,” he said.
He noted that the Bill further empowers local authorities, with the consent of the public prosecutor, to offer compounds on offences up to two-thirds of the maximum prescribed fine, promoting administrative efficiency in enforcement.
“The First Schedule of the Principal Ordinance has also been revised to reflect Sarawak’s evolving local government structures, including the Miri City Council, Kota Samarahan Municipal Council, and newly constituted Gedong, Siburan, and Sebuyau District Councils.”
During his winding-up speech, Dr Sim emphasised that the SBB will be a professional board to regulate qualified practitioners in Sarawak, ensuring that engineers and architects comply with local laws.
He noted that the Board will not replace councils but will work alongside them, and that green building standards will follow Sarawak-specific definitions.
“The law will come into force only when we are ready. It is not going to come into force tomorrow while coordination with relevant agencies such as Department of Irrigation and Drainage is ongoing to ensure smooth implementation,” he said.
He expressed his gratitude to House members for their support, noting that the Bill establishes a framework for qualified practitioners in Sarawak and aligns the state with international standards.
“With this law, Sarawak is equipped with the essential instruments needed to drive modern, safe, and sustainable developments for future generations,” he said.
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