High time to regulate conduct of building inspectors

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Datuk Chang Kim Loong of the National House Buyers Association (HBA) highlights the urgent need to regulate the conduct of building inspectors (BIs) in Malaysia due to concerning trends in the industry. He recounts a scenario where a homebuyer faced difficulties with an unqualified BI, underscoring the importance of engaging licensed and professional inspectors to protect homebuyers' rights.

The demand for building inspection services surged during the Covid-19 pandemic, leading to an influx of individuals offering such services, including inexperienced and untrained individuals. Despite the introduction of building surveyor courses in Malaysian universities since the 1990s, the industry has not fully embraced this profession.

Chang warns of the risks posed by unqualified BIs, who may compromise safety standards, violate homebuyers' rights, and damage the reputation of genuine professionals. Developers and contractors also face challenges due to inconsistencies in quality standards and additional costs arising from substandard inspections.

To address these issues, Chang advocates for comprehensive training and certification for BIs and the establishment of a regulatory framework under the Ministry of Works and Ministry of Housing and Local Government. He suggests forming a new Building Surveying Act or professional board to ensure the competency and integrity of BIs, with eligibility criteria based on relevant academic background and professional experience.

Chang advises homebuyers to be vigilant in selecting BIs and recommends engaging licensed professionals registered with recognized bodies such as the Royal Institution of Surveyors Malaysia (RISM) and MyRBS (Malaysia Registered Building Surveyors). He emphasizes the importance of obtaining reliable inspection reports that are recognized in legal proceedings to safeguard homebuyers' interests.

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