Architects all
for it
Malay Mail 28/6/2004
KUALA LUMPUR: Architects are all for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah
Ahmad Badawi's suggestion on relying on professionals like engineers and
architects to certify new buildings.
They, however, propose that stiffer penalties be imposed on errant
practitioners to protect their integrity. Max Loh Hock Jin of Max Low
Architects said it is a "good move" as it will reduce waiting time for
certificates of fitness (CFs) now issued by the local authorities.
He said architects must have integrity even if they are under the payroll
of developers as the onus lies with them if anything goes wrong.
"As an architect, we go through stringent examinations
before getting our licences to practise," he said. Loh, however, said that
the RM5,000 fine and removal of their title as "architects" are "too
lenient" under the Architects Act 1967.
"The Government should revise it to protect house-buyers
further." Senior architect Chong Voon Wee, of TR Hamzah Yeang Sdn Bhd,
said by giving architects the sole mandate to issue CFs, it is inevitable
that
there will be abuses.
"Stringent laws can overcome this and everything has to
go hand-in-hand." He said the proposal will save buyers time because of
the cut in red-tape. |
