Unauthorised Modifications in Industrial Buildings
Ministry of National DevelopmentSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns Mr Leon Perera’s inquiry about measures to prevent unauthorized modifications in industrial buildings. Minister of State Zaqy Mohamad stated that owners must obtain permits for additions and alterations works and comply with the Periodic Structural Inspection regime, which requires industrial buildings to be inspected every five years. Professional Engineers must report unauthorized structural works to the Building and Construction Authority, with offenders facing fines of $200,000 or imprisonment, while negligent engineers and public feedback provide additional monitoring.
Transcript
20 Mr Leon Perera asked the Minister for National Development what measures are taken to ensure that industrial buildings are not subject to unauthorised modifications beyond the initial inspections.
The Minister of State for National Development (Mr Zaqy Mohamad) (for the Minister for National Development): Mr Speaker, building owners are required to obtain approvals and permits from relevant agencies before commencing any additions and alterations (A&A) works.
In addition, there is a monitoring regime in place for completed buildings. The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) imposes the Periodic Structural Inspection (PSI) regime to ensure that buildings are structurally safe. The PSI has to be carried out every 10 years for residential buildings and every five years for non-residential buildings, including those for industrial use. These on-site inspections have to be conducted by the Professional Engineers (PEs) engaged by the building owners. During the inspections, the PEs must also check for any A&A works to the structure of the building and report their findings to BCA. Any A&A works not in the original BCA-approved plans would be considered unauthorised.
Stern action will be taken against parties who are found to be involved in carrying out unauthorised works. Under the Building Control Act, offenders may be liable to a fine of $200,000 or a jail term of up to two years, or both. A PE who fails to perform his duties in carrying out the PSI according to the requirements may be liable to a fine of up to $20,000.
Members of the public can inform BCA if they come across any structures that they think are unauthorised.