Planning Permission
In Malaysia, it is necessary to apply for planning permission before building or renovating a property. The procedure includes the following steps:
- Obtain a land survey and soil test from a registered engineer or architect
- Submit the land survey and soil test, along with other necessary documents, to the local municipal council or the Department of Town and Country Planning (DTCP)
- The local municipal council or DTCP will review the documents and issue a building permit if all requirements are met
Listed Building Status and Conservation Areas
In Malaysia, listed building status, conservation areas, and preservation orders are overseen by the National Heritage Department (Jabatan Warisan Negara). Listed buildings and conservation areas are protected by law, and any building or renovation work must be approved by the National Heritage Department. Preservation orders can be issued by the local municipal council or DTCP, and any work on a property subject to a preservation order must be approved by the municipality or DTCP.
Finding Reliable Builders
To find reliable, trustworthy builders in Malaysia, it is recommended to look for builders who belong to a professional organisation. One such organisation is the Master Builders Association Malaysia (MBAM), which can be contacted at:
- Address: No. 5, Jalan 51/217, 46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan
- Phone: +603-7984 8636
- Email: mbam15@mbam.org.my
- Website: http://www.mbam.org.my/
Permits and Licenses
When building or renovating property in Malaysia, it is important to obtain the necessary permits and licenses. These may include a building permit, a planning permission, a development order, and a certificate of completion and compliance. The specific permits required will depend on the nature of the project and its location.
Finding a Local Architect
To find a local architect in Malaysia, it is recommended to look for architects who belong to a professional body. One such body is the Malaysian Institute of Architects (Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia), which can be contacted at:
- Address: 4 & 6, Jalan Tangsi, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
- Phone: +603-2693 9366
- Email: info@pam.org.my
- Website: https://www.pam.org.my/
Pitfalls When Buying Land
When buying land in Malaysia, it is important to be aware of potential pitfalls related to planning permission and boundaries. It is recommended to work with a lawyer who is familiar with the local laws and regulations. It is also important to obtain a land survey to ensure that the boundaries of the property are clearly defined. Additionally, it is important to check that the land is zoned for the intended use, as some areas may have restrictions on the type of development allowed. There have also been cases of fraudulent land transactions in Malaysia, so it is important to verify the ownership of the land before making a purchase.