KUALA LUMPUR (June 22): Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia (PAM) has expressed strong support for ongoing structural reforms led by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government, with a focus on statutory compliance, digital transformation, and fair remuneration for professionals.
In a statement issued on Monday, PAM said it aligns with the government’s efforts to improve the country’s construction and housing approval ecosystem, particularly through clearer regulatory processes and stronger governance mechanisms.
The institute welcomed clarification from both the Shah Alam High Court and Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming regarding building-specific planning approvals (KM Bangunan). The court ruling affirmed that architects have the right to submit applications for Planning Approval (KM), a position PAM said should be respected by all parties involved in development planning processes.
Nga stated that the judgement should be observed by all stakeholders, reinforcing the role of architects within the planning approval framework.
PAM added that the clarification enables a more efficient process by allowing architects to act as a single point of contact for building-centric projects, improving coordination and convenience for clients and homeowners who choose to engage architects for this scope of work.
The institute also supported the government’s initiative to strengthen digital integration in the housing management system, including platforms such as HIMS and LAM-BOS, aimed at improving transparency and payment security for professionals.
Nga highlighted that professionals must be paid fairly and promptly in accordance with legal requirements, while PAM described the integration of KPKT’s housing management systems with the board’s central fee stakeholder portal as a significant improvement to the industry’s financial ecosystem.
In addition, PAM backed the minister’s warning against fee undercutting within the architectural profession, urging members to maintain ethical standards and protect the financial sustainability of architectural practices.
What I learn from this report
Malaysia is reforming its construction approval system to improve efficiency and clarity in planning processes.
A court ruling supports architects’ rights to submit Planning Approval (KM), strengthening their professional role.
Architects may act as a single point of contact for building-focused development projects, improving project coordination.
The government is pushing digitalisation in housing management systems to improve transparency and payment security.
Platforms like HIMS and LAM-BOS are part of efforts to modernise the industry’s administrative and financial systems.
There is strong emphasis on ensuring professionals are paid fairly and promptly under legal frameworks.
The architectural body PAM supports ethical practices and opposes fee undercutting to protect industry sustainability.
Yao Mu Realty, based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, specializes in industrial real estate for factories and land, delivering professional and efficient solutions.
Posted by Yao Mu Realty Sdn Bhd on 22 Jun 26
Malaysia