Azlan Othman
The Authority for Building Control and Construction Industry (ABCi) has outlined procedures for companies intending to renovate their business premises.
ABCi, in its social media post on Saturday, highlighted that company owners must consult a qualified person (QP) about whether their store renovation requires an occupation permit (OP).
The construction work must be conducted by a registered construction company, while a registered advertiser company must authorise billboard signs.
Permission from ABCi is a must for modifications involving changes to the structure or categorised as significant.
The company involved in the construction must have a valid builder’s licence.
Earthworks such as levelling and demolition; constructing houses, industrial buildings, and commercial buildings; modification and additions to existing houses; and renovations of shop space, including applications to use shop space, requires building works.
After completing the construction work or renovation, company owners must obtain an OP from ABCi to indicate that the premises are structurally safe.
Enforcement action will be taken to premises occupied without OP.
Company billboard signs can be applied through registered advertising companies.
ABCi also advised business companies to comply with all government regulatory requirements and refer to the relevant agencies before conducting business operations.
These include the Fire and Rescue Department, Water Services Department at the Public Works Department (JKR), Drainage and Sewerage Department at the JKR, Department of Electrical Services, Unified National Networks, Municipal Department, Planning Authority, and the Ministry of Health. Meanwhile, the agency recently conducted surveillance, inspection and monitoring with other agencies dealing with offences under the Building Control Order 2014.
The agency found several companies operating in modified or renovated premises without obtaining OP.
Owners, operators, and tenants of building units are required to comply with the Building Control Order (BCO) 2014, Building Control Regulations (BCR) 2014, standards and guidelines for any renovation works and additional or modified units or premises by appointing a QP who is legally registered and has a Certificate of Practice under the Board of Architects, Professional Engineers and Surveyors (BAPEQS), the Ministry of Development (MoD).
Meanwhile, construction works must be implemented by a builder who has a valid registration under the MoD and has the appropriate work category.
Legal action can be taken in accordance with the BCO 2014 and the BCR 2014.
