Bad experience with Sabah architects
I refer to the views expressed by the Chairman of PAM (Sabah chapter) in Forum on 2.3.2025. The Chairman stated that the Daily Express report on over-certifying projects unfairly generalized architects and risked damaging the reputation of the entire profession.
This is particularly interesting given that the Chairman did not respond to my email in August 2022 regarding the architect who was the principal submitting officer for the Vistana Heights project. The Chairman also emphasised the strict ethical and technical guidelines established by the Board of Architects (LAM) and the importance of adhering to rigorous standards at every stage of certification.
However, I have been in communication with LAM since February 2023 regarding my complaints about the developer’s failure to adhere to the development plans and the lack of permission from buyers for several alterations to the original plans. Additionally, I raised concerns about a fabricated as-built survey plan submitted to the authorities by the architect as the principal submitting officer. My last email to LAM was on 4.2.25, and I have yet to even receive any acknowledgment, apart from my attempts to follow up by phone.
Furthermore, not a single architect bothered to respond to my inquiries to PAM (Sabah), PAM (KL), the architect concerned and LAM regarding the maximum allowable gradient for a driveway, nor my question about the discrepancy in the as-built survey plan, which shows a one-foot difference between the road height and house platform height, while the actual difference is four feet. While it is true that stringent guidelines are set by LAM, I question what actions are taken when these guidelines are not followed and complaints are made by homeowners. I also take issue with the assertion that a majority of architects strictly adhere to the Code of Professional Conduct. I have sent several emails to PAM and posted my correspondence, along with PAM (KL)’s inadequate responses, on my blog, yet no one has replied. Despite this, the chairman has the cheek to speak about adherence to the Code of Professional Conduct. Are architects truly diligent in following ethical guidelines and technical standards, as claimed by the Chairman? If they were, we would not be facing issues such as owning a house with a dangerously steep driveway.
The DE mentioned abandoned projects in Sabah. The land behind two units in the same row as the one I complained about has collapsed, and the units remain abandoned. This situation not only detracts from the appearance of Vistana Heights but also negatively impacts the value of all homes in the area. The architect has remained silent regarding whether a retaining wall was to be constructed behind the houses on the hill.
Interestingly, the DE Editor also suggested that it might be wise to require all architects from outside Sabah to collaborate with a Sabah partner to ensure compliance on local projects. This brings to mind a recent conversation with a Sabah architect who questioned why I was complaining about a steep driveway “when no accidents had yet occurred.”
Additionally, I recall a Chartered Professional Architect, who is also an Alternative Dispute Resolution Provider and public speaker, commenting on Facebook, questioning why I was addressing my concerns to PAM (Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia) or PAM Sabah Chapter instead of the Board. He referred to the institute as a “social club” for architects rather than a “complaint department,” implying that the Board of Architects (Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia, LAM) serves that function. (LINK)
I have evidence of all I have stated above. Details are also available on my blog at https://luqmanmusings.blogspot.com/ Luqman Michel
The above was in response to an article in the Daily Express forum at: https://www.dailyexpress.com.my/read/5975/architects-and-sabah-s-abandoned-projects/
Comments