The Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM) has welcomed the proposed Building Managers Act and the establishment of a dedicated Board of Building Managers under the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT).
ACCCIM said the proposed legislation is overdue given the increasing development of stratified buildings and mixed-use integrated developments, which require more complex management as properties are owned by multiple parties and accommodate different uses.
The chamber said effective building management and maintenance would help preserve and enhance property values and investments for the benefit of property owners.
Growing Complexity of Stratified Buildings
Stratified buildings typically contain significant common areas that need to be properly managed and maintained.
Under the existing Strata Management Act (SMA), the Joint Management Body (JMB) or Management Corporation (MC), comprising duly elected strata owners, is responsible for managing and maintaining common properties within a stratified building scheme.
The SMA essentially gives JMBs and MCs the right to manage these properties themselves or engage an agent to undertake the day-to-day management and maintenance of common areas.
Where a JMB or MC fails to perform these responsibilities, the Commissioner of Buildings (COB) can appoint a Managing Agent to take over the day-to-day management and maintenance of the common properties.
ACCCIM said the existing rights of JMBs and MCs to appoint agents, as well as the COB’s authority to appoint Managing Agents, should be preserved under any new framework.
Demand for Skilled Building Managers Is Increasing
ACCCIM said the increasing number of stratified developments, together with the growing adoption of technology, automation and energy-efficient systems, is creating greater demand for experienced and skilled building managers.
Modern buildings are becoming increasingly sophisticated, requiring professionals with multiple skill sets to manage complex building systems and operations.
Managing these developments will require multidisciplinary expertise, alongside continuous upskilling and professional development, the chamber said.
Against this backdrop, ACCCIM believes it is timely for a dedicated Board of Building Managers to be established under the auspices of KPKT.
Strengthening Oversight of Malaysia’s Built Environment
According to ACCCIM, the proposed board would provide a natural continuation of KPKT’s existing oversight of the built environment.
This includes areas such as building design and approvals, Certification of Completion, fire safety and health, regular structural integrity certification, and the licensing of operations and businesses.
The chamber noted that the SMA and the Commissioner of Buildings already provide established legal structures for overseeing and managing stratified properties.
A dedicated professional body could complement these existing mechanisms by strengthening standards and professional oversight within the building management sector.
Registering and Developing Qualified Building Managers
ACCCIM said the proposed Board of Building Managers should be responsible for registering and categorising qualified building managers from different professional pathways.
These could include individuals entering the profession through academic qualifications, skills gained through practical experience and experienced practitioners who have developed their expertise within the industry.
Such a framework could help create a growing pool of qualified and experienced building management professionals to meet demand as more stratified buildings and mixed-use developments are constructed.
The chamber believes this would also support greater professionalism in property management and ensure that building managers are equipped to handle increasingly complex properties.
Preparing for the Future of Property Development
ACCCIM further pointed to the proposed Property Development Act, which would expand KPKT’s oversight to encompass commercial developments.
Against this backdrop, the chamber said establishing the Board of Building Managers would be timely in preparing the industry for the professional standards needed to manage and maintain a wider range of properties.
Effective building management is important not only for maintaining safe and well-managed living and working environments, but also for preserving the value of Malaysia’s built environment and the investments held within it.
ACCCIM said a more professional and structured building management sector would ultimately benefit property owners while supporting the long-term sustainability and value of Malaysia’s residential, commercial and mixed-use developments.
