The Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM) is urging the authorities to strictly regulate building construction after a wall of a hotel at Bukit Tinggi in Pahang collapsed on Saturday morning (17 February).
According to Pahang Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) Deputy Director Mohd Sani Harul, an 84 sq m portion of a wall on the first level of the hotel’s H block fell down during the wee hours of the morning while people were asleep.
This injured an elderly and a young boy, with a total of 90 guests evacuated. JBPM also ordered the hotel owner to close down the block for inspection to determine if it’s safe for occupation.
Following the incident, PAM President Ezumi Harzani called on hotel owners to follow the Uniform Building By-Laws (UBBL) of 1984, which has been promulgated under the Street, Drainage and Building Act of 1974.
“Section 85A of the act requires buildings which are five storeys and above, exceeding 10 years old, to be inspected by a structural engineer.”
UBBL also stipulates that before the construction of a proposed building can start, development plans must be first submitted by a principal submitting person (PSP) like a licenced engineer and architect.
“All existing buildings that undergo alteration and/or additions must also prepare plans for approvals prior to construction by a PSP,” it states.
UBBL’s section V also specifies the structural requirements of hotels, particularly design, specifications and wall construction, floor and building structure.
Aside from that, Ezumi noted that hotels need to possess a Certificate of Completion and Compliance (CCC) or Certificate of Fitness for Occupation (CFO).
Hotels that have undergone a makeover or have been enlarged are subject to CFO and CCC, depending on the kind work done on walls, doors and other structures, as well as the electrical and mechanical installations.
Hotels are also categorized as ‘designated buildings’ under the Fire Services Act (FSA) due to their high flame hazard. “Designated buildings are required to undergo an annual fire audit before they are issued with a Fire Certificate (FC) by the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba),” he added.
Meanwhile, PAM’s accredited building inspector and trainer Anthony Lee Tee advised building owners not to undertake unauthorised renovations or alterations, as these could lead to accidents.
“We must stress, however, the onus is on building owners to avoid carrying out any structural changes without first obtaining building approvals, and fulfil the obligations stipulated in the UBBL and FSA,” said Lee, who works for Architect Centre Sdn Bhd.
Image sourced from Free Malaysia Today
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