Architects 1

LAWS OF MALAYSIA

REPRINT

Act 117

ARCHITECTS ACT 1967

Incorporating all amendments up to 1 January 2006

PUBLISHED BY
THE COMMISSIONER OF LAW REVISION, MALAYSIA
UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF THE REVISION OF LAWS ACT 1968
IN COLLABORATION WITH
PERCETAKAN NASIONAL MALAYSIA BHD
2006
2

ARCHITECTS ACT 1967

First enacted ... ... ... ... ... ... 1967 (Act No. 65
of 1967)

Revised ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 1973 (Act 117 w.e.f.
16 August 1973)

PREVIOUS REPRINTS

First Reprint ... ... ... ... ... 1995

Second Reprint ... ... ... ... ... 2000
 3
LAWS OF MALAYSIA

Act 117

ARCHITECTS ACT 1967

ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS

PART I

PRELIMINARY

Section

1. Short title, commencement and application

2. Interpretation

PART II

BOARD OF ARCHITECTS

3. Establishment of Board of Architects

4. Functions of the Board

PART III

REGISTRATION OF ARCHITECTS

5. Register
6. Appointment and duties of Registrar
7. Restrictions on unregistered persons and registered Architects
7A.Architectural consultancy practice
7 B.
A body corporate providing architectural consultancy services, professional
engineering services and/or quantity surveying services
8. Entitlement
9. Professional Architects, etc., subject to this Act
10. Qualifications for registration
10A. Temporary registration of foreign architects
11. (Deleted)
12. Application for registration
13. Certificate of registration
14. Notification of change of address
4 Laws of Malaysia ACT 117
PART IV

CANCELLATION, REMOVAL, REINSTATEMENT,

ETC.

Section

15. (Deleted)
15A. Powers to investigate and appointment of Disciplinary Committee
15B. (Deleted)
16. Removal from Register
17. Reinstatement
18. Certificates to be returned

PART V

SPECIAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO REGISTERED

BUILDING DRAUGHTSMEN

19. (Omitted)
20. Restrictions on unregistered Building Draughtsmen
21. Register of registered Building Draughtsmen
22. Registration
23. Notification of change of address
24. Restrictions on registered Building Draughtsmen
25. Cancellation of registration, etc., of registered Building Draughtsman
26. Removal from Register
26A. Reinstatement
27. Certificates to be returned

PART VI

GENERAL

28. Appeal
29. Appeal Board
30. Tenure of office of members of the Appeal Board
31. Procedure of appeal
32. Procedure of Appeal Board
33. Penalties, obtaining registration by false pretences, etc
 Architects 5
Section

34. General penalty

34A. Failure to comply with orders of the Disciplinary Committee, Board,
Appeal Board or Minister
34B. Power of search and seizure
34C. List of things seized
35. Rules
35A. Authorization by President
35B. Notices
35C. Indemnity
35D. Appointment of advocate and solicitor
36. Landscape and Naval Architects
37. Vesting of property, etc.
38. Repeal
39. Saving as to right of Government
SCHEDULE
6 Laws of Malaysia ACT 117
 Architects 7
LAWS OF MALAYSIA

Act 117

ARCHITECTS ACT 1967

An Act to provide for the registration of architects, sole

proprietorships, partnerships and bodies corporate providing
architectural consultancy services, and building draughtsmen and
matters connected therewith.

[1 October 1973; P.U. (B) 426/1973]

PART I

PRELIMINARY

Short title, commencement and application

1. (1) This Act may be cited as the Architects Act 1967.

(2) This Act shall come into force on such date as the Minister
map be notification in the Gazette appoint.

(3) The Minister may by notification in the Gazette suspend the

operation of this Act in any part of Malaysia.

Interpretation
2. In this Act unless the context otherwise requires—

“appointed date” means the date appointed under

subsection 1(2);

“architectural consultancy practice” means a sole proprietorship,

partnership or body corporate incorporated under the Companies
Act 1965 [Act 125], providing architectural consultancy services
and is registered by the Board under section 7A or 7B;
8 Laws of Malaysia ACT 117

“architectural consultancy services” means the provision of

architectural consultancy advice and services pertaining to all or
any of the following:
(a) submission of plans or drawings to any person or local
authority in Malaysia;
(b) conceptualization, research and development of any design
for the built environment;
(c) any survey, preparation of reports including environmental
impact assessment reports, or investigation relating to
the built environment;
(d) project programming, construction and manufacturing
programming, and product design;
(e) planning and development services including interior
design, financial advisory services, project management,
contract administration and landscaping;
(f) preparation of feasibility studies and cost estimates;
(g) preparation of plans and other means of presentation;
(h) all services in compliance with statutory requirements;
(i) any other activities relating to the creation, preservation
and enhancement of the built environment;

“authorized officer” means an officer authorized by the Board

under paragraph 4(1)(eb);

“Board” means the Board of Architects established by section 3;

“Building Authority” means any local authority required under

any written law to approve building plans;

“Building Draughtsman” means—

(a) any person who immediately before the appointed date
was a specially authorized person within the meaning of
the Architects Ordinance 1951 [Ord. 48 of 1951], registered
under Part II of the register kept and maintained under
that Ordinance but shall not include any person qualified
for registration under the Registration of Engineers Act
1967 [Act 138], or the Quantity Surveyors Act 1967
[Act 487]; and
 Architects 9
(b) any other person whom the Board in its absolute discretion
may deem desirable to register having regard to his
qualification and experience and to the requirements of
any Building Authority;

“firm or body corporate practising as consulting Quantity

Surveyors” has the meaning assigned to it in the Quantity Surveyors
Act 1967;

“Pertubuhan Arkitek Malaysia” shall include any institute, body

or society succeeding it and approved by the Minister;

“prescribed” means prescribed by rules made under section 35;

“Professional Architect” means a person registered under

subsection 10(2);

“Professional Engineer” has the meaning assigned to it in the

Registration of Engineers Act 1967;

“professional engineering services” has the meaning assigned to

it in the Registration of Engineers Act 1967;

“Public Authority” has the meaning assigned to it in the Federal

Constitution;

“Register” means—
(a) in Part III, the Register of Professional Architects, registered
Architects and architectural consultancy practices; and
(b) in Part V, the Register of registered Building
Draughtsmen;

“registered Architect” means a person registered under subsection

10(1);

“registered Building Draughtsman” means a Building

Draughtsman registered under Part V;

“registered Quantity Surveyor” has the meaning assigned to it

in the Quantity Surveyors Act 1967;

“Registrar” means the Registrar of Architects appointed under

subsection 6(1).
10 Laws of Malaysia ACT 117

PART II

BOARD OF ARCHITECTS

Establishment of Board of Architects

3. (1) There is established a board to be called “Board of Architects”
which shall be a body corporate with perpetual succession and a
common seal and which may sue and be sued.

*(2) The Board shall consist of the following members who

shall be Malaysian citizens and who are appointed by the Minister:
(a) a President who shall be appointed from among Professional
Architects;
(b) three Professional Architects who are in the public service
of the Federation;
(c) two Professional Architects who are in the service of any
local authority or statutory authority;
(d) seven Professional Architects who have been in private
practice for at least three years in Malaysia, three of
whom shall be from the nomination list submitted by the
Council of the Pertubuhan Arkitek Malaysia;
(e) one member on the nomination of the Board of Engineers
from among members of that Board established under the
Registration of Engineers Act 1967;
(f) one member on the nomination of the Board of Quantity
Surveyors from among members of that Board established
under the Quantity Surveyors Act 1967; and
(g) one member appointed from among registered Building
Draughtsmen.

(2A) (Deleted by Act A1159).

(3) A member of the Board shall unless he sooner resigns or

otherwise vacates his office or his appointment is revoked hold
office for a period as may be specified in the instrument appointing
him and shall be eligible for reappointment.

*NOTE—A person who was a member of the Board appointed before 1 December 2002 shall, until he resigns
or otherwise vacates his office or his appointment is revoked, continue to hold that office until the expiry of
the period specified in his instrument of appointment–see subsection 41(1) of Act A1159.
 Architects 11
(4) If any member of the Board resigns or otherwise vacates his
office or his appointment is revoked, a new member shall as soon
as practicable be appointed in his place and the member so appointed
shall hold office for the remainder of the term for which his
predecessor was appointed.
(5) Provisions of the Schedule shall have effect with respect to
the Board.

Functions of the Board

*4. (1) The functions of the Board shall be—
(a) to keep and maintain a Register of Professional Architects,
registered Architects and architectural consultancy practices
and a Register of registered Building Draughtsmen;
(b) to approve or reject applications for registration under
this Act or to approve any such application subject to
such conditions or restrictions as it may deem fit to
impose;
(c) to order the issuance of written reprimand, the imposition
of a fine, suspension or cancellation of registration, removal
from or reinstatement into the Registers in accordance
with this Act;
(d) to fix from time to time with the approval of the Minister
the scale of fees to be charged by Professional Architects,
architectural consultancy practices and registered Building
Draughtsmen for architectural consultancy services
rendered;
(e) to hear and determine disputes relating to professional
conduct or ethics of Professional Architects, registered
Architects and registered Building Draughtsmen and to
appoint a committee or arbitrator or arbitrators to hear
and determine such disputes;
(ea) to act as a stakeholder in a contract for architectural
consultancy services, when requested;
(eb) to authorize any person to investigate the commission of
any offence under this Act or any rules made under this
Act;

*NOTE—All applications, proceedings or other matter (except for proceedings under section 17A, 15A, 25
or 33) pending fore the Board before 1 December 2002 shall be dealt with by the Board in accordance with
this Act as amended by Act A1159–see subsection 41(4) of Act A1159.
12 Laws of Malaysia ACT 117

(ec) to employ any person, as it deems necessary, to assist the

Board in carrying out its functions, powers and duties
subject to such terms and conditions as it may determine;
(f) to determine and regulate the conduct and ethics of
Professional Architects, registered Architects and registered
Building Draughtsmen;
(g) to represent the profession in any matter in which it may
be necessary or expedient and to examine and if thought
fit to report upon current legislation and any other local
matters submitted to it or to make recommendations to
Government or any Public or Building Authority or any
institute, body or society for the time being representing
the profession;
(ga) to appoint a council, consisting of such members of the
Board and Professional Architects as may be determined
by the Board, to conduct examinations for admission to
the profession and other examinations as deemed necessary
by the Board;
(h) to appoint persons to represent it on any body or panel
of examiners which may be appointed by any institute,
body or society for the time being representing the
profession and to make recommendations in relation to
any examinations for qualification for admission to the
profession;
(i) to appoint members of the Board to sit on any boards,
committees or bodies formed for any purpose affecting
the profession and to appoint members of the Board to
sit on the Board of Engineers and the Board of Quantity
Surveyors in accordance with the relevant laws;
(j) to provide scholarships and other facilities for the promotion
of learning and education in connection with architecture,
and to hold or cause to be held professional development
programmes for Professional Architects, registered
Architects and registered Building Draughtsmen to further
enhance their knowledge in the latest developments relating
to that profession; and
(k) generally, to do all such acts, matters and things as are
necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
 Architects 13
(2) Without prejudice to the general powers conferred by
subsection (1) the Board shall have power—
(a) to purchase or lease any land or building required for any
of the purposes of the Board;
(b) from time to time to borrow or raise money by bank
overdraft or otherwise for the purposes specified in
paragraph (a); and
(c) to lease out, dispose of, or otherwise deal in any immovable
property of the Board.

PART III

REGISTRATION OF ARCHITECTS

Register

5. The Register of Professional Architects, registered Architects

and architectural consultancy practices shall be in three sections,
that is to say:
(a) Section A—which shall contain the names, business
addresses and other particulars of Professional Architects;
(b) Section B—which shall contain the names, addresses and
other particulars of registered Architects; and
(c) Section C—which shall contain the names, addresses
and other particulars of architectural consultancy
practices.

Appointment and duties of Registrar

6. (1) The Minister shall appoint a Registrar of Architects who

shall be under the general direction of the Board and whose duties
shall include the signing of certificates of registration and their
renewal, and orders of the Board, and the recording of all entries
of registration, suspension, cancellation, removal and reinstatement
in the Register.
14 Laws of Malaysia ACT 117

(2) The Registrar shall publish in either the Gazette or at least

one national newspaper, the name, address, registration number
and other particulars of—
(a) a Professional Architect or registered Architect whose
registration has been—
(i) by an order of the Disciplinary Committee cancelled
under section 34A or subsection 15A(2); or
(ii) reinstated under section 17;

(b) an architectural consultancy practice whose registration

has been—
(i) by an order of —
(A) the Disciplinary Committee cancelled under
section 34A or paragraph 7A(5)(dd);or
(B) the Board cancelled under subsection
7B(3);or

(ii) reinstated under section 17 or subsection 7A(8);or

(c) a registered Building Draughtsman whose registration

has been—
(i) by an order of the Board cancelled under section
34A or subsection 25(1);or
(ii) reinstated under section 26A.

(2A) The publication under subsection (2) shall be made—

(a) as soon as possible after the order of the Disciplinary
Committee or Board is made, if there is no appeal to the
Appeal Board or Minister against that order; or
(b) as soon as possible after the order of the Disciplinary
Committee or Board is confirmed by the Appeal Board
or Minister, if there is an appeal filed against that order;

(3) In any proceedings, a certificate of registration shall be

conclusive proof that the person, sole proprietorship, partnership
or body corporate named in it is a Professional Architect, registered
Architect, registered Building Draughtsman or architectural
consultancy practice.
 Architects 15
(4) The Registrar may annually publish and offer for sale copies
of the Register.

Restrictions on unregistered persons and registered Architects

7. (1) No person shall unless he is a Professional Architect—
(a) practise or carry on business or take up employment
which requires him to perform architectural consultancy
services;
(aa) be entitled to describe himself or hold himself out under
any name, style or title—
(i) bearing the words “Professional Architect” or the
equivalent thereto in any other language; or
(ii) bearing any other word whatsoever in any language
which may reasonably be construed to imply that
he is a Professional Architect;
(b) use or display any sign, board, card or other device
representing or implying that he is a Professional Architect;
(ba) be entitled to describe himself as a “Professional Architect”
and to use the abbreviation “Ar.” before his name and/
or the abbreviation “P.Arch.” after his name or in association
with his name; or
(c) be entitled to recover in any court any fee, charge,
remuneration or other form of consideration for any
architectural consultancy services rendered as a Professional
Architect.

(2) Notwithstanding subsection (1), a registered Architect may,

subject to section 8, with the written approval of the Board take
up employment which requires him to perform architectural
consultancy services.

Architectural consultancy practice

*7A. (1) Notwithstanding subsection 7(1), a sole proprietorship,
partnership or body corporate may practise as an architectural
consultancy practice and recover in any court any fee, charge,
remuneration or other form of consideration for any architectural

*NOTE—All proceedings pending before the Disciplinary Committee or Board under this section before 1
December 2002 shall be continued as if this Act had not been amended by Act A1159–see subsection 41(5)
of Act A1159.
16 Laws of Malaysia ACT 117

consultancy services rendered by it pursuant to its practice as an

architectural consultancy practice carried on by virtue of this section,
if it is registered with the Board as an architectural consultancy
practice and has been issued with a certificate of registration.

(2) Every application by a sole proprietorship, partnership or

body corporate for registration as an architectural consultancy
practice shall be made to the Board in the prescribed form and
manner and shall be accompanied by the prescribed fee.

(3) The Board shall register a sole proprietorship, partnership

or body corporate as an architectural consultancy practice, subject
to such conditions and restrictions as it may deem fit to impose,
if—
(a) in the case of the sole proprietorship, the sole proprietor
is a Professional Architect;
(b) in the case of the partnership, all the partners are
Professional Architects; or
(c) in the case of the body corporate, it—
(i) has a board of directors comprising persons who
are Professional Architects;
(ii) has shares held by members of the board of directors
mentioned in subparagraph (i) solely or with any
other persons who are Professional Architects;
and
(iii) has a minimum paid-up capital which shall be an
amount to be prescribed by the Board;

(4) An architectural consultancy practice shall, within thirty

days of the occurrence of any change of its sole proprietorship,
or the composition of its partners, board of directors or shareholders,
furnish to the Board a true report in writing giving full particulars
of the change.

(5) If the Disciplinary Committee finds that—

(a) the architectural consultancy practice or sole proprietor
or any partner, director or shareholder has breached, or
failed to comply with or carry out, any of the terms,
conditions or restrictions imposed by the Board upon
registration of that architectural consultancy practice;
 Architects 17
(b) the composition of the partners, board of directors or
shareholders of the architectural consultancy practice does
not comply with section 7B or subsection (3);
(c) the architectural consultancy practice has breached any
of the requirements of subsection (4); or
(d) the sole proprietor or any partner, director, shareholder
or employee of an architectural consultancy practice,
whether or not such person is registered under this Act,
has committed, or is guilty of, or has contributed to, any
of the acts or things set out in—
(i) paragraph 15A(2)(l); or
(ii) section 33, or paragraphs 15A(2)(a) to (k) or (o)
to (p),

the Disciplinary Committee may, subject to subsection (6), by

written notice to the architectural consultancy practice, order—
(aa) the issuance of a written reprimand to;
(bb) the imposition of a fine not exceeding ten thousand ringgit
on;
(cc) the suspension of the registration for a period not exceeding
one year of;
(dd) the cancellation of the registration of; or
(ee) any combination of the sanctions set out in paragraphs
(aa) to (dd) on,

the architectural consultancy practice.

(6) (a) The Disciplinary Committee shall not make any order
under paragraphs (5)(aa) to (ee) based upon any of the grounds
of complaint set out in paragraph (5)(a), (b) or (c), or subparagraph
(5)(d)(ii) unless—
(i) there has been a hearing conducted by the
Disciplinary Committee of the grounds of complaint
against the architectural consultancy practice, sole
proprietor or any of its partners, directors,
shareholders or employees who has caused,
contributed or been a party to, the grounds of
complaint; and
18 Laws of Malaysia ACT 117

(ii) an opportunity to be heard by a representative

appointed in writing or by counsel in the case of
an architectural consultancy practice, or in person
or by counsel in the case of a sole proprietor or any
partner, director, shareholder or employee, has been
given to such architectural consultancy practice,
sole proprietor, partner, director, shareholder or
employee, as the case may be.

(aa) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), the Disciplinary

Committee may make an order under paragraphs (5)(aa)
to (ee) if the Disciplinary Committee has under
subsection 15 A (2) suspended or cancelled the
registration of—
(i) a sole proprietor;
(ii) one of the partners in a partnership comprising
only two partners; or
(iii) one of the directors in the board of directors of
a body corporate comprising only two directors.

(b) In any case where the grounds of complaint are based

upon paragraph (5)(d), the Disciplinary Committee shall
not make an order under paragraphs (5)(aa) to (ee) if, on
the date of hearing, such architectural consultancy practice
satisfies the Disciplinary Committee—
(i) that the partner, director, shareholder or employee
who has committed, or is guilty of, or has contributed
to, such act or thing as forms the grounds for the
complaint has ceased to be a partner, director,
shareholder or employee of such architectural
consultancy practice;
(ii) that notwithstanding that such partner, director,
shareholder or employee has ceased to be a partner,
director, shareholder or employee, such architectural
consultancy practice is able to comply with all the
terms, conditions and restrictions imposed by the
Board pursuant to section 7B or subsection (3);
and
 Architects 19
(iii) that no other partner, director, shareholder or
employee of such architectural consultancy practice
was, otherwise than by being its partner, director,
shareholder or employee at the material date, in
any way a party to, or connected with, the act or
thing which forms the grounds for the complaint.

(7) Upon the Disciplinary Committee suspending or cancelling

the registration of an architectural consultancy practice pursuant
to paragraph (5)(cc) or (dd), respectively, the architectural consultancy
practice shall cease to exercise any right or privilege conferred
upon it under the registration, but it shall be entitled to recover
in any court any fee, charge, remuneration or other form of
consideration for architectural consultancy services rendered by it
prior to the date of receipt of the written notice from the Disciplinary
Committee suspending or cancelling its registration.

(8) (a) Without prejudice to section 17, the Board may at any
time upon receipt of an application from an architectural consultancy
practice whose registration has been suspended or cancelled pursuant
to paragraph (5) (cc) or (dd), respectively, reinstate its registration
if it is satisfied that—
(i) the reason which led to the suspension or cancellation of
its registration no longer exists; and
(ii) the architectural consultancy practice, at the time of such
application, complies with the terms, conditions and
restrictions imposed by the Board pursuant to section 7B
or subsection (3) at the time of the original registration.

(b) In reinstating the registration under paragraph (a) the Board

may impose such additional terms, conditions and restrictions as
it thinks fit.

(9) There shall be no appeal against—

(a) any refusal of the Board to register a sole proprietorship,
partnership or body corporate as an architectural
consultancy practice ; or
(b) any terms, conditions or restrictions imposed by the Board
at the time of registration.

(10) (Deleted by Act A1159).

20 Laws of Malaysia ACT 117

(11) (Deleted by Act A1159).

(12) (Deleted by Act A1159).

A body corporate providing architectural consultancy services,

professional engineering services and/or quantity surveying
services

7B. (1) Where a body corporate carries on a practice of providing

architectural consultancy services, professional engineering services
and/or quantity surveying services, the Board may, subject to such
conditions or restrictions as it may deem fit to impose, register that
part of the practice providing architectural consultancy services.

(2) The body corporate that applies for registration under

subsection (1) must be incorporated under the Companies Act
1965 and—
(a) has a board of directors comprising Professional Architects,
Professional Engineers and/or registered Quantity
Surveyors;
(b) has shares held by the persons mentioned in paragraph
(a) and any of the following persons and/or bodies corporate
where —
(i) the Professional Architects, Professional Engineers,
registered Quantity Surveyors, bodies corporate
providing architectural consultancy services, bodies
corporate providing professional engineering
services and/or bodies corporate practising as
consulting Quantity Surveyors hold a minimum
combined share of 70% of the overall equity of
that body corporate, of which the Professional
Architects and/or bodies corporate providing
architectural consultancy services hold a minimum
share of 10%; and
(ii) any other persons, including persons belonging to
a profession allied to architecture, engineering or
quantity surveying, being a profession approved
in writing by the board regulating the profession
 Architects 21
of architecture, engineering or quantity surveying,
respectively, hold a maximum share of 30%,

of the overall equity of the body corporate; and

(c) has a minimum paid-up capital which shall be an amount

to be determined by the Minister.

(3) Notwithstanding paragraph 7A(5)(b), where in a body corporate

registered under subsection (1)—
(a) the minimum shareholdings of a Professional Architect
and/or body corporate providing architectural consultancy
services is less than the percentage stipulated in
subparagraph (2)(b)(i); or
(b) the minimum combined shareholdings of a Professional
Architect, Professional Engineer, registered Quantity
Surveyor, body corporate providing architectural
consultancy services, body corporate providing professional
engineering services and/or body corporate practising as
consulting Quantity Surveyors is less than the percentage
stipulated in subparagraph (2)(b)(i),

that body corporate shall, as soon as possible but not later than
three months after such change in shareholdings or within any
extended period of time as may be approved by the Board, increase
the respective shareholdings so as to comply with the percentage
as stipulated in subparagraph (2)(b)(i), and if that body corporate
fails to do so within the stipulated time, the Board shall cancel its
registration under this Act.

(4) For the purposes of this Act, the body corporate shall, upon
its registration, be deemed to be an architectural consultancy practice.

Entitlement

8. (1) Every Professional Architect who is residing in Malaysia

for not less than one hundred and eighty days in any one calendar
year and architectural consultancy practice providing architectural
consultancy services in Malaysia shall be entitled to submit plans
or drawings to any person or authority in Malaysia according to
his qualifications or the qualifications of the Professional Architect
in that architectural consultancy practice.
22 Laws of Malaysia ACT 117

(2) Nothing contained in any other written law shall prevent

any Professional Architect or architectural consultancy practice
from—
(a) making valuations of buildings and structures, and of
plants, machinery and equipment related to the buildings
or structures connected with his or its professional practice;
(b) preparing and submitting applications for planning
approvals, conversions, subdivisions and amalgation layout
drawings;
(c) carrying out planning studies, environmental impact studies
relating to land use; and
(d) preparing planning reports for any person or authority in
Malaysia.

(3) Nothing in subsections (1) and (2) shall affect the right of
any quantity surveyor, engineer, licensed land surveyor, valuer,
appraiser and any other professionals for the time being registered
under the relevant laws relating to such professions, to carry out
any activity connected with his professional practice.

Professional Architects, etc., subject to this Act

9. Every Professional Architect, registered Architect and

architectural consultancy practice shall be subject to this Act.

Qualifications for registration

10. (1) (a) Subject to this Act, any person who holds the
qualification recognized by the Board thereto; shall be entitled on
application to be registered as a registered Architect.

(b) Subject to this Act, a person who is registered as a registered

Architect under paragraph (a) shall be required to obtain such
practical experience as may be prescribed by the Board and to pass
the examinations as may be determined by the Board in order to
be entitled to apply for registration as a Professional Architect
under subsection (2).
 Architects 23
(2) Subject to this Act, the following persons shall be entitled
on application to be registered under Section A of the Register as
Professional Architects:
(a) any person who—
(i) is a registered Architect;
(ii) has obtained the practical experience as prescribed
by the Board and passed the examinations as may
be determined by the Board under paragraph (1)(b);
and
(iii) is a Corporate Member of the Pertubuhan Arkitek
Malaysia or has obtained a qualification which
the Board considers to be equivalent thereto.
(b) (Deleted by Act A1159).
(c) (Deleted by Act A1159).
(d) (Deleted by Act A1159).
(e) (Deleted by Act A1159).

(2A) Subject to this Act, any person whose name has been
removed from the Register under paragraph 16(b) and has not
applied for reinstatement within five years from the date of such
removal shall be entitled on application to be registered under
Section A of the Register if such person has fulfilled the requirements
mentioned in paragraph (2)(a).

(3) Subject to this Act, only a citizen or a permanent resident

of Malaysia may qualify for registration as a registered Architect
or Professional Architect and no person shall be entitled to be
registered as a Professional Architect unless he is at the time of
application for registration, and has been for a period of not less
than six months prior to the date of application, residing in
Malaysia.

(4) No person shall be entitled to be registered as a Professional

Architect if at any time prior to his registration there exists
any facts or circumstances which would have entitled the
Disciplinary Committee to cancel his registration pursuant to
subsection 15A(2).

(5) Subsections 17(3) and 28(1) shall apply mutatis mutandis

to any person whose application for registration has been rejected
pursuant to subsection (4).
24 Laws of Malaysia ACT 117

Temporary registration of foreign architects

10A. (1) Subject to this section and such conditions as the Board
may think fit to impose, the Board may, upon payment of the
prescribed fee, approve the temporary registration as a Professional
Architect of any foreign architect who is a consultant to a project,
wholly financed by a foreign government, or implemented under
a bilateral arrangement between governments.

(2) A foreign architect may be considered for temporary

registration if he satisfies the Board that—
(a) he possesses the necessary qualification which is recognized
for the practice of architecture as an architect in the
country where he normally practises; and
(b) he possesses the necessary expertise and his physical
presence is required in Malaysia for not less than one
hundred and eighty days in one calendar year or he is a
resident representative of the foreign component of a
joint-venture.

(3) The Board may approve a temporary registration for a period

not exceeding one calendar year and may renew such temporary
registration as it deems fit.

(4) Any foreign architect dissatisfied with the decision of the

Board to reject his application for temporary registration or the
renewal thereof under this section may, within twenty-one days of
being notified of the rejection, appeal to the Minister whose decision
thereon shall be final and shall not be subject to appeal.

(5) A foreign architect registered under section 10 on or before

the commencement of this section shall remain registered until the
expiry of his registration.

(6) A foreign architect whose registration has expired may apply

for temporary registration subject to the provisions of this section.

(7) For the purpose of this section, “foreign architect” means

an architect who is not a citizen or permanent resident of Malaysia.

11. (Deleted by Act A130).

 Architects 25
Application for registration

12. Application for registration shall be made to the Board in

such manner as may be prescribed by the Board and accompanied
by the prescribed fee.

Certificate of registration

13. (1) The Registrar shall upon receipt of the prescribed fee
issue to any person, sole proprietorship, partnership or body corporate
whose application for registration has been approved by the Board
a certificate of registration in the prescribed form expiring on the
31st December of the year in which it is issued.

(2) The registration may, subject to this Act, be renewed annually

upon payment of the prescribed fee and upon satisfying such
conditions as may be determined by the Board.

Notification of change of address

14. Every Professional Architect, registered Architect and

architectural consultancy practice shall notify the Registrar of any
change in his or its business address.

PART IV

CANCELLATION, REMOVAL, REINSTATEMENT, ETC.

15. (Deleted by Act A1159).

Powers to investigate and appointment of Disciplinary Committee

15A. (1) The Board shall appoint—

(a) a member of the Board to investigate into any misconduct
or complaint made against any Professional Architect,
registered Architect or architectural consultancy practice;
and
(b) a Disciplinary Committee comprising three members of
the Board, not being a person appointed under paragraph
(a), to enquire into and/or conduct a hearing of any
misconduct or complaint referred to it by the member of
the Board appointed under paragraph (a);
26 Laws of Malaysia ACT 117

*(2) The Disciplinary Committee may order the issuance of a

written reprimand to, the imposition of a fine not exceeding ten
thousand ringgit on, the suspension for a period not exceeding one
year of, the cancellation of the registration of, any Professional
Architect or registered Architect, or any combination of two or
more of the aforesaid, under any of the following circumstances:
(a) if he offers or accepts any commission which in the
opinion of the Disciplinary Committee is an illicit
commission;
(b) if whilst acting in his professional capacity, he at the
same time without disclosing the fact in writing to his
client, is a sole proprietor, partner, director or member
of or substantial shareholder in or agent for any contracting
or manufacturing company or firm or business or has any
financial interest in that company or firm or business
with which he deals on behalf of his client;
(c) if his registration under this Act has been obtained by
fraud or misrepresentation;
(d) if he is found guilty by the Disciplinary Committee of
any act or conduct which in the opinion of the Disciplinary
Committee is infamous or disgraceful;
(e) if he is found by the Disciplinary Committee to have
contravened or failed to comply with any of the provisions
of this Act or any rules made thereunder;
(f) if he fails to observe any conditions or restrictions subject
to which he is registered;
(g) if he procures, or assists in procuring, or is knowingly
a party to procuring, by fraud or misrepresentation the
approval of the Board for a sole proprietorship, partnership
or body corporate to be registered as an architectural
consultancy practice;
(h) if he conceals or assists in concealing from the Board or
the Disciplinary Committee the existence of any fact or
circumstances which, if known, would entitle the
Disciplinary Committee to cancel the registration of a
sole proprietorship, partnership or body corporate, in which
he is a sole proprietor, partner, director or shareholder,
as an architectural consultancy practice;

*NOTE—All proceedings pending before the Disciplinary Committee or Board before 1 December 2002
shall be continued as if this Act had not been amended by Act A1159–see subsection 41(5) of Act A1159.
 Architects 27
(i) if he contravenes, or fails to perform, or assists in the
contravention of, any term, condition or restriction imposed
by the Board when registering a sole proprietorship,
partnership or body corporate as an architectural
consultancy practice under section 7B or subsection 7A(3);
(j) if he causes or permits or suffers any sole proprietorship,
partnership or body corporate in which he is a sole
proprietor, partner, director or shareholder to practise as
an architectural consultancy practice prior to its registration
by the Board;
(k) if he causes or permits or suffers any architectural
consultancy practice in which he is a sole proprietor,
partner, director or shareholder to continue to practise as
an architectural consultancy practice after the Disciplinary
Committee has suspended or cancelled its registration
under paragraph 7A(5)(cc) or (dd), respectively;
(l) if he is convicted of any offence involving fraud, dishonesty
or moral turpitude in Malaysia or elsewhere;
(m) if his qualification under section 10 has been withdrawn
or cancelled by the Authority through which it was acquired
or by which it was awarded;
(n) if he is found to be of unsound mind;
(o) if he becomes a bankrupt; or
(p) if he is found to be incapable or no longer able to perform
his professional duties

(3) The Disciplinary Committee shall not make any order under
subsection (2), based upon any of the circumstances set out in
paragraphs (2)(a) to (k), or (n) to (p), unless an opportunity of
being heard either personally or by counsel has been given to the
Professional Architect or registered Architect against whom the
Disciplinary Committee intends to make the order.

(4) The member of the Board appointed under paragraph (1)(a)

may, for the purpose of an investigation—
(a) require any person, including a sole proprietor, partner,
director, manager, secretary or employee, to attend before
him and give evidence on oath or affirmation, and that
member may administer the oath; and
28 Laws of Malaysia ACT 117

(b) require such person to produce any book, document or

paper relating to the subject matter of the investigation
which is in the custody of that person or under his control.

(5) Upon completion of his investigation, the member of the

Board appointed under paragraph (1)(a) shall submit a report together
with his recommendations, if any, to the Disciplinary Committee
for its consideration.

(6) A person, including a sole proprietor, partner, director,

manager, secretary or employee, shall, unless with reasonable
excuse—
(a) attend and give evidence when required to do so;
(b) answer truthfully and fully any question put to him in
connection with the investigation; or
(c) produce any book, document or paper required of him,

by the member of the Board appointed under paragraph (1)(a).

15B. (Deleted by Act A1159).

Removal from Register

16. There shall be removed from the Register the name and other
particulars of—
(a) any Professional Architect or registered Architect who
has died, or architectural consultancy practice which has
ceased to practise;
(b) any Professional Architect, registered Architect or
architectural consultancy practice who has failed to renew
his or its registration within one month of the expiry of
the registration;
(c) any Professional Architect or registered Architect whose
registration has been cancelled under section 34A or
subsection 15A(2), or architectural consultancy practice
whose registration has been cancelled under section 34A,
subsection 7B(3) or paragraph 7A(5)(dd); or
 Architects 29

(d) any Professional Architect, registered Architect or

architectural consultancy practice whose registration has
been effected by reason of any mistake or error made by
the Board in considering his or its application for
registration.

Reinstatement

17. (1) Any Professional Architect, registered Architect or

architectural consultancy practice whose name has been removed
from the Register pursuant to an order of the Board or the Disciplinary
Committee shall, if his or its appeal is allowed, forthwith be
reinstated, and the Registrar shall issue a certificate of registration
to him or it;

(2) Any Professional Architect, registered Architect or

architectural consultancy practice whose name has been removed
from the Register for failure to renew his or its registration shall
be reinstated as soon as may be after he or it has notified the
Registrar, within five years of such removal, of his or its desire
to be reinstated and upon payment of such fees as may be prescribed,
and the Registrar shall issue a certificate of registration to him or
it;

(3) Any Professional Architect, registered Architect or

architectural consultancy practice whose name has been removed
from the Register pursuant to an order of the Board or the
Disciplinary Committee and who has not appealed against that
order or whose appeal has been dismissed may after the
expiration of not less than one year from the date of the order of
cancellation or from the date of the decision of the appeal apply
for reinstatement. The Board upon receipt of satisfactory
evidence of proper reasons for his or its reinstatement and upon
reimbursement to it of all expenditure incurred by it arising out
of the proceedings leading to cancellation of his or its registration
and upon payment of the prescribed fee, shall issue a certificate
of registration to him or it.
30 Laws of Malaysia ACT 117

Certificates to be returned

18. Any Professional Architect, registered Architect or architectural

consultancy practice whose name is removed from the Register
shall within fourteen days after notification to him or it by registered
post of the removal, surrender to the Board the certificate of
registration issued to him or it under this Act.

PART V

SPECIAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO REGISTERED BUILDING

DRAUGHTSMEN

19. (Omitted).

Restrictions on unregistered Building Draughtsmen

20. No person shall, unless he is a registered Building

Draughtsman—
(a) practise or carry on business as a building draughtsman;
(aa) be entitled to describe himself or hold himself out under
any name, style or title—
(i) bearing the words “Building Draughtsman” or the
equivalent thereto in any other language; or
(ii) bearing any other word whatsoever in any language
which may reasonably be construed to imply that
he is a registered Building Draughtsman;

(b) use or display any sign, board, card or other device

representing or implying that he is a registered Building
Draughtsman; or

(c) be entitled to recover in any court any fee, charge,

remuneration or other form of consideration for any
advice or services rendered as a registered Building
Draughtsman.
 Architects 31

Register of registered Building Draughtsmen

21. For the purpose of this Part there shall be a Register which
shall contain the names, addresses and other particulars (including
restrictions that may be imposed under section 24) of registered
Building Draughtsmen.

Registration

22. (1) Any Building Draughtsman may apply for registration

under this Part.

(2) Application for registration shall be made to the Board in

such manner as may be prescribed by the Board and accompanied
by the prescribed fee.

(3) The Registrar shall upon receipt of the prescribed fee

issue to any person whose application has been approved by
the Board a certificate of registration in the prescribed form,
expiring on the 31st December of the year in which it is issued,
endorsed with the restrictions that may be imposed under
section 24;

(4) The registration may, subject to this Act, be renewed annually

upon payment of the prescribed fee and upon satisfying such
conditions as may be determined by the Board;

(5) (Deleted by Act A1159).

(6) (Deleted by Act A1159).

Notification of change of address

23. Every registered Building Draughtsman shall notify the

Registrar of any change in his business address.
32 Laws of Malaysia ACT 117

Restrictions on registered Building Draughtsmen

24. (1) Upon the registration of a Building Draughtsman the

following restrictions shall apply—
(a) he may submit plans only to, and within the limits of, the
Building Authority for which area his application for
registration has been approved; and
(b) he shall be entitled to submit plans of buildings in
accordance with the restrictions specified in subsection
(5) as may be imposed by the Board, or such other
restrictions as the Board deems fit.

(2) The Board may at any time on the application of a registered

Building Draughtsman vary the restrictions for the time being
imposed upon him pursuant to subsection (1) by substituting therefor
the alternative restriction prescribed by subsection (5) or such
other restrictions as the Board deems fit, or by adding thereto or
deleting therefrom any Building Authority specified under
paragraph (1)(a).

(3) No person who is employed by a limited company, building

contractor, manufacturer or commercial firm shall be entitled to
be registered under this Part.

(4) No registered Building Draughtsman shall practise under

the name of a limited company or under the protection of limited
liability.

(5) The restrictions referred to in paragraph (1)(b) shall be in

one of the following forms, that is to say:
(i) he shall be entitled only to submit plans of buildings
not exceeding two-storeys in height and not involving
reinforced concrete or structural steel framework
except lintols not exceeding 2.5 metres in span providing
that the total built-up floor area does not exceed 300
square metres in any one project submitted for approval;
or
 Architects 33
(ii) he shall be entitled to submit plans of buildings not
exceeding one-storey in height and not involving reinforced
concrete or structural steel framework except lintols not
exceeding 2.5 metres in span providing that the total
built-up floor area does not exceed 100 square metres in
any one project submitted for approval:

Provided that in respect of a Building Draughtsman who was a

specially authorized person within the meaning of the *Architects
Ordinance 1951, the restrictions imposed on him under this section
shall not be less favourable than those which may have been
imposed on him immediately before the appointed date:

Provided further that in respect of a Building Draughtsman in

Sabah and Sarawak who was practising or carrying on business as
a building draughtsman for at least twelve months before the
appointed date, subsections (1) and (5) shall not apply and subsection
(2) shall be construed as if all the words appearing after the words
“imposed upon him” had been deleted.

Cancellation of registration, etc., of registered Building

Draughtsman

**25. (1) The Board may order the issuance of a written reprimand
to, the imposition of a fine not exceeding five thousand ringgit on,
the suspension for a period not exceeding one year of, or the
cancellation of the registration of, any registered Building
Draughtsman, or any combination of two or more of the aforesaid,
under any of the following circumstances:
(a) if he is convicted of any offence involving fraud or
dishonesty or moral turpitude;
(b) if whilst registered under this Act he acts as a contractor
or trades in building materials directly connected with
his profession;
(c) if his registration under this Act has been obtained by
fraud or misrepresentation;
(d) if he offers or accepts any commission which in the
opinion of the Board is an illicit commission;

*NOTE—The Architects Ordinance 1951 has been repealed–see section 38 of this Act.
**NOTE—All proceedings pending before the Board before 1 December 2002 shall be continued as if this
Act had not been amended by Act A1159–see subsection 41(5) of Act A1159.
34 Laws of Malaysia ACT 117

(e) if he breaks any conditions or restrictions imposed upon

him by virtue of paragraph 4(1)(b) or under section 24;
(f) if he is found to be of unsound mind;
(fa) if he is found to be incapable or no longer able to perform
his professional duties effectively;
(fb) if he becomes a bankrupt;
(g) if he is found guilty by the Board of any act or conduct
which in the opinion of the Board is infamous or disgraceful;
or
(h) if he is found by the Board to have contravened or failed
to comply with any of the provisions of this Act or of
any rules made thereunder.

(2) The Board shall not make any order under subsection (1),
based upon any of the circumstances set out in paragraphs (1)(b)
to (h), unless an opportunity of being heard either personally or
by counsel has been given to the registered Building Draughtsman
against whom the Board intends to make the order.

(3) Any person dissatisfied with an order of the Board under

this section may within twenty-one days of being notified of such
order appeal to the Minister whose decision thereon shall be final.

(4) (Deleted by Act A1159).

Removal from Register

26. There shall be removed from the Register the name and other
particulars of any registered Building Draughtsman—
(a) who has died;
(b) who has failed to renew his registration within one month
of the expiry of the registration;
(c) whose registration has been cancelled under section 34A
or subsection 25(1); or
(d) whose registration has been effected by reason of any
mistake or error made by the Board in considering his
application for registration.
 Architects 35
Reinstatement

26A. (1) Any registered Building Draughtsman whose name has

been removed from the Register pursuant to an order of the Board
shall, if his appeal is allowed, be reinstated, and the Registrar shall
issue a certificate of registration to him.

(2) Any registered Building Draughtsman whose name has been

removed from the Register for failure to renew his registration
shall be reinstated as soon as may be after he has notified the
Registrar, within five years of such removal, of his desire to be
reinstated and upon payment of such fees as may be prescribed,
and the Registrar shall issue a certificate of registration to him.

(3) Any registered Building Draughtsman whose name has been

removed from the Register pursuant to an order of the Board and
who has not appealed against that order or whose appeal has been
dismissed may after the expiration of not less than one year from
the date of the order of cancellation or from the date of the decision
of the appeal apply for reinstatement. The Board upon receipt of
satisfactory evidence of proper reasons for his reinstatement and
upon reimbursement to it of all expenditure incurred by it arising
out of the proceedings leading to the cancellation of his registration
and upon payment of the prescribed fee, shall issue a certificate
of registration to him.

Certificates to be returned

27. Any registered Building Draughtsman whose name has been

removed from the Register under this Part shall, within fourteen
days after notification to him by registered post of the removal,
surrender to the Board the certificate of registration issued to him
under this Part.

PART VI

GENERAL

Appeal

28. (1) Except as otherwise provided in this Act—

(a) any person who has been refused registration by the
Board; or
36 Laws of Malaysia ACT 117

(b) any person, sole proprietorship, partnership or body

corporate who having been registered has had his or its
name removed from the Register,

may within twenty-one days of being notified of the refusal or

removal, appeal to the Appeal Board constituted under section 29,
and the Appeal Board may thereupon make such orders as it may
deem just or proper.

(2) An opportunity of being heard either personally or by counsel

shall be given by the Appeal Board to any appellant.

(3) The Board shall give effect to any order made by the Appeal
Board forthwith.

Appeal Board

29. For the purpose of this Part there shall be established an

Appeal Board consisting of a Judge of the High Court as a Chairman
who shall be appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, after
consultation with the Chief Justice; and two other persons appointed
by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

Tenure of office of members of the Appeal Board

30. A member of the Appeal Board shall unless he sooner resigns

his office or his appointment be revoked hold office for such term
as may be specified in the instrument appointing him and shall be
eligible for reappointment.

Procedure of appeal

31. (1) A notice of appeal against an order of the Board or

Disciplinary Committee shall be made in writing to the Appeal
Board, and a copy of the notice sent to the President of the Board
or Chairman of the Disciplinary Committee.

(2) On receipt of a copy of the notice of appeal the President

of the Board or in the absence of the President the member delegated
by the President so to do, or the Chairman of the Disciplinary
Committee shall cause to be prepared and sent to the Chairman
 Architects 37
of the Appeal Board records or a summary of the records of the
proceedings of the Board or Disciplinary Committee and the statement
setting out the grounds on which the Board or Disciplinary Committee
arrived at its decision.

(3) Upon receiving the records or summary of the records and

the grounds of the decision of the Board or Disciplinary Committee,
the Chairman of the Appeal Board shall convene a meeting of the
Appeal Board to hear the appeal.

(4) The Appeal Board after hearing the appeal may confirm or
vary the decision of the Board or Disciplinary Committee .

(5) The decision of the Appeal Board shall be final.

Procedure of Appeal Board

32. The Appeal Board shall at its discretion determine its own
procedure.

Penalties, obtaining registration by false pretences, etc.

*33. Any person, sole proprietorship, partnership or body corporate

who—
(a) procures or attempts to procure registration or a certificate
of registration under this Act by knowingly making or
producing or causing to be made or produced any false
or fraudulent declaration, certificate, application or
representation whether in writing or otherwise;
(b) wilfully makes or causes to be made any falsification in
any Register kept and maintained under this Act;
(c) forges, alters or counterfeits any certificate of registration
under this Act;
(d) utters or uses any forged, altered or counterfeited certificate
of registration under this Act knowing the same to have
been forged, altered or counterfeited;
(e) impersonates a Professional Architect, registered Architect,
registered Building Draughtsman;

*NOTE—All proceedings under this section pending before 1 December 2002 shall be continued as if this
Act had not been amended by Act A1159–see subsection 41(5) of Act A1159.
38 Laws of Malaysia ACT 117

(f) buys or fraudulently obtains a certificate of registration

under this Act issued to another Professional Architect,
registered Architect, registered Building Draughtsman or
architectural consultancy practice;
(g) sells any certificate of registration issued under this Act;
or
(h) contravenes section 7, or subsection 15A(6) or 34B(5),

shall be guilty of an offence and shall, on conviction, be liable to

a fine not exceeding fifty thousand ringgit or imprisonment for a
term not exceeding two years or to both.

General penalty

34. (1) Any person, sole proprietorship, partnership or body

corporate who contravenes or fails to comply with any of the
provisions of this Act or any rules made thereunder shall be guilty
of an offence and where no penalty is expressly provided shall,
on conviction, be liable to a fine not exceeding five thousand
ringgit or imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or to
both.

(2) If a sole proprietorship, partnership or body corporate

contravenes or fails to comply with any of the provisions of this
Act or any rules made thereunder, the sole proprietor or every
partner, director, manager, secretary or other similar officer thereof
shall be guilty of the same offence and be liable to the same
penalty as the sole proprietorship, partnership or body corporate
is guilty of and liable to, unless he proves that the offence was
committed without his knowledge, consent or connivance or was
not attributable to any neglect on his part.

Failure to comply with orders of the Disciplinary Committee,

Board, Appeal Board or Minister

34A. Notwithstanding subsection 7A(6), 15A(3) or 25(2), where—

(a) a Professional Architect or registered Architect refuses
or fails to comply with an order of the Disciplinary
Committee made under subsection 15A(2), or Appeal Board
made under section 28;
 Architects 39
(b) an architectural consultancy practice refuses or fails to
comply with an order of the Disciplinary Committee made
under subsection 7A(5), or Appeal Board made under
section 28; or
(c) a registered Building Draughtsman refuses or fails to
comply with an order of the Board made under sub-
section 25(1), or decision of the Minister made under
subsection 25(3),

the Disciplinary Committee or Board shall immediately cancel his

or its certificate of registration after reminders that require him or
it to comply with such order or decision, as the Disciplinary
Committee or Board in its absolute discretion deems fit, have been
given to him or it.

Power of search and seizure

34B. (1) An authorized officer shall have the power to investigate

the commission of any offence under this Act or any rules made
under this Act.

(2) An authorized officer may, for the purpose of carrying out

the objectives of this section, at any reasonable time enter, inspect
and examine any place of work.

(3) In exercising his powers under subsection (2), an authorized

officer may—
(a) examine any book, account, record or other document as
may be necessary to ascertain whether or not this Act or
any rules made under this Act has been complied with;
(b) direct that the place of work or any part of it, or anything
in it, shall be left undisturbed, whether generally or in
particular respect, for so long as is reasonably necessary
for the purpose of any examination or investigation under
this section;
(c) search for and seize any signboard, card, letter, pamphlet,
leaflet, notice or any device representing or implying
that the person is a Professional Architect, registered
Architect or registered Building Draughtsman, or that the
sole proprietorship, partnership or body corporate is an
architectural consultancy practice; or
40 Laws of Malaysia ACT 117

(d) seize or take copies of or extracts from any book, account,

record or other document found in the place of work
which he has power to enter or in the vicinity of that
place of work, and that is reasonably believed to furnish
evidence of the commission of an offence under this Act
or any rules made under this Act.

(4) Where by reason of its nature, size or amount, it is not

practicable to remove any signboard, card, letter, pamphlet, leaflet,
notice, book, account, record or other device or document seized
under this section, the authorized officer may, by any means, seal
such signboard, card, letter, pamphlet, leaflet, notice, book, account,
record or other device or document in the place of work in which
it is found.

(5) A person shall not, except with lawful authority—

(a) break, tamper with or damage, or attempt to break, tamper
with or damage the seal referred to in subsection (4); or
(b) remove or attempt to remove any signboard, card, letter,
pamphlet, leaflet, notice, book, account, record or other
device or document under seal.

List of things seized

34C. (1) Except as provided in subsection (2), where any signboard,
card, letter, pamphlet, leaflet, notice, book, account, record or
other device or document is seized from the place of work under
section 34B, the authorized officer shall prepare a list of the things
seized and immediately deliver a copy of the list signed by him
to the occupier of the place which has been searched, or to his
agent or servant at that place.

(2) Where the place of work is unoccupied, the authorized

officer shall, wherever possible, post a list of the things seized
conspicuously at that place.

Rules
35. The Board may with the approval of the Minister make rules
generally as may be necessary or expedient for the purpose of
carrying out, or giving effect to, the provisions of this Act and in
particular, but without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing,
for prescribing anything as is required by this Act to be prescribed
or as it may deem necessary.
 Architects 41
Authorization by President
35A. (1) Subject to subsection (2) and such policy as the Board
may from time to time adopt, the President may from time to time,
on payment of the prescribed fee and on such conditions or with
such restrictions as he thinks fit to impose, in writing authorize
any person who is not a Professional Architect or registered Architect,
or any sole proprietorship, partnership or body corporate which is
not an architectural consultancy practice to do any act or thing that
the person, sole proprietorship, partnership or body corporate would,
but for the authorization, be prohibited, or not be entitled, to do
and may at any time, without assigning any reason therefor, withdraw
the authorization by notice served on the person, sole proprietorship,
partnership or body corporate.

(2) No person, sole proprietorship, partnership or body corporate

shall be authorized under this section to do any such act or thing
for more than a total period of one hundred and eighty days in any
one calendar year.

(3) A person, sole proprietorship, partnership or body corporate

who does any such act or thing under and in accordance with an
authorization under subsection (1) shall, notwithstanding any
provision of this Act to the contrary, be deemed to be permitted
or entitled to do that act or thing as if he were a Professional
Architect or registered Architect, or it were an architectural
consultancy practice.

Notices
35B. (1) Any notice or document left at, or posted by registered
post or prepaid post to, the last known address or principal place
of business last appearing in the Register of a Professional Architect,
registered Architect, registered Building Draughtsman or architectural
consultancy practice shall be deemed to have been duly served
upon that Professional Architect, registered Architect, registered
Building Draughtsman or architectural consultancy practice.

(2) Subject to subsection (3), if the Professional Architect,

registered Architect, registered Building Draughtsman or architectural
consultancy practice fails to reply to the notice or document which
has been duly served upon him or it in accordance with subsection
(1) for at least three times, the Disciplinary Committee or Board
shall take action against that Professional Architect, registered
Architect, registered Building Draughtsman or architectural
consultancy practice in accordance with this Act.
42 Laws of Malaysia ACT 117

(3) If the Professional Architect, registered Architect, registered

Building Draughtsman or architectural consultancy practice fails
to reply to the notice or document which has been duly served
upon him or it in accordance with subsection (1) for at least three
times, and if, with regard to the matter contained in the notice or
document, the Disciplinary Committee or Board proposes to suspend
or cancel his or its registration, the Board shall—
(a) cause to be published in at least one national newspaper
a notification containing the material contents of that
notice or document; and
(b) take action in accordance with this Act based on his or
its reply to the notification, or otherwise on his or its
failure to reply to that notification.

Indemnity

35C. (1) No action or proceeding shall be instituted or maintained

in any court against the Board, Appeal Board, Disciplinary Committee
or council appointed by the Board, any members of the Board,
Appeal Board, Disciplinary Committee or council, any person
appointed or authorized by the Board, or any other person authorized
to act for or on behalf of the Board for any act or omission done
in good faith in the discharge of any of its or his functions, powers
and duties under this Act or any rules made under this Act.

(2) This section does not apply to powers conferred under

subsection 4(2) or any power to enter into contracts exercised by
the Board.

Appointment of advocate and solicitor

35D. The Board may appoint an advocate and solicitor to institute

and conduct proceedings on its behalf.

Landscape and Naval Architects

36. This Act shall not apply to Landscape and Naval Architects.
 Architects 43
Vesting of property, etc.

37. All property movable or immovable which immediately before

the appointed date was vested in or held by the Board of Architects
constituted under the Architects Ordinance 1951, shall on the
appointed date and without any conveyance, assignment or transfer
whatever vest in or pass to the Board established and constituted
under section 3 for the like title, estate or interest and on the like
tenure and for the like purposes as the same was vested or held
immediately before the appointed date.

Repeal

38. The Architects Ordinance 1951 is repealed.

Saving as to right of Government

39. Nothing in this Act contained shall apply to anything done

or omitted to be done by or under the authority of the Federal
Government or the Government of any State.

SCHEDULE

[Subsection 3(5)]

1. (1) The following persons shall be disqualified from being appointed or

being members of the Board:
(a) a person who is of unsound mind and/or is otherwise incapable of
performing his duties;
(b) a bankrupt; and
(c) any person whose registration has been cancelled under this Act.

(2) A member of the Board shall vacate his office if he fails to attend three
consecutive meetings of the Board without the permission in writing of the
President or if he becomes disqualified under subparagraph (1).

2. (1) The Board shall meet at least once a year at such place as may from time
to time be appointed by the President.
44 Laws of Malaysia ACT 117
(2) At any meeting of the Board the President shall preside, and in his
absence the members shall elect one of their number to preside over the meeting.

(3) The quorum of the Board shall be four, of which at least one shall be
a Professional Architect in private practice.

(4) If on any question to be determined by the Board there is an equality

of votes, the President or, in the case where the President is absent, the member
presiding over that meeting shall have a casting vote.

(5) Subject to subparagraphs (3) and (4), the Board shall determine its own
procedure and, except in relation to section 35, have power to delegate to
committees appointed by the Board all or any of the functions of the Board upon
such terms and subject to such conditions and restrictions as the Board may in
its absolute discretion think fit. Any act, ruling or decision of any committee
so appointed shall be deemed to be the act, ruling or decision of the Board.

(6) The Board shall cause proper records of its proceedings and of the
proceedings of any committee appointed by it to be kept.

3. (1) The Board shall have a common seal which shall bear such device as
the Board may approve and such seal may from time to time be broken, changed,
altered and made anew by the Board as the Board may think fit.

(2) The common seal shall be kept in the custody of the President and shall
be authenticated by the President or other member acting in the absence of the
President, and any document purporting to be sealed with the said seal, authenticated
as aforesaid, shall until the contrary is shown be deemed to have been validly
executed.

4. All moneys received by the Board whether from fees payable under this
Act or otherwise shall be applied by the Board in the first place to defraying
the expenses of registration and other expenses of the administration of this Act
including any expenses of the Board that may be allowed under any rules made
under this Act and thereafter to providing scholarships and the promotion of
learning and education in connection with architecture. Moneys not immediately
required by the Board may be invested in such trustee securities as the Board
may from time to time determine.
 Architects 45
LAWS OF MALAYSIA

Act 117

ARCHITECTS ACT 1967

LIST OF AMENDMENTS

Amending law Short title In force from

Act A130 Architects (Amendment) Act 1972 07-07-1972

Act A171 Architects (Amendment) Act 1973 30-03-1973

Act A249 Architects (Amendment) Act 1974 15-03-1974

Act A466 Architects (Amendment) Act 1979 21-09-1979

Act A686 Architects (Amendment) Act 1988 19-02-1988

Act A826 Architects (Amendment) Act 1992 19-07-1992

Act A885 Constitution (Amendment) Act 1994 24-06-1994

Act A1159 Architects (Amendment) Act 2002 01-12-2002

46 Laws of Malaysia ACT 117

LAWS OF MALAYSIA

Act 117

ARCHITECTS ACT 1967

LIST OF SECTIONS AMENDMENTS

Section Amending authority In force from

Long title Act A1159 01-12-2002

2 Act A130 07-07-1972

Act A686 19-02-1988
Act A826 19-07-1992
Act A1159 01-12-2002

3 Act A130 07-07-1972

Act A171 30-03-1973
Act A686 19-02-1988
Act A1159 01-12-2002

4 Act A130 07-07-1972

Act A686 19-02-1988
Act A826 19-07-1992
Act A1159 01-12-2002

5 Act A130 07-07-1972

Act A1159 01-12-2002

6 Act A130 07-07-1972

Act A1159 01-12-2002

7 Act A130 07-07-1972

Act A249 15-03-1974
Act A1159 01-12-2002

7A Act A249 15-03-1974

Act A686 19-02-1988
Act A826 19-07-1992
Act A1159 01-12-2002

7B Act A1159 01-12-2002

8 Act A686 19-02-1988

Act A1159 01-12-2002

9 Act A130 07-07-1972

Act A826 19-07-1992
Act A1159 01-12-2002
 Architects 47
Section Amending authority In force from

10 Act A130 07-07-1972

Act A686 19-02-1988
Act A826 19-07-1992
Act A1159 01-12-2002

10A Act A686 19-02-1988

Act A826 19-07-1992
Act A1159 01-12-2002

11 Act A130 07-07-1972

12 Act A1159 01-12-2002

13 Act A130 07-07-1972

Act A826 19-07-1992
Act A1159 01-12-2002

14 Act A130 07-07-1972

Act A826 19-07-1992
Act A1159 01-12-2002

Heading of Act A1159 01-12-2002

Part IV

15 Act A130 07-07-1972

Act A249 15-03-1974
Act A686 19-02-1988
Act A826 19-07-1992
Act A1159 01-12-2002

15A Act A826 19-07-1992

Act A1159 01-12-2002

15B Act A826 19-07-1992

Act A1159 01-12-2002

16 Act A130 07-07-1972

Act A686 19-02-1988
Act A1159 01-12-2002

17 Act A130 07-07-1972

Act A686 19-02-1988
Act A826 19-07-1992
Act A1159 01-12-2002

18 Act A130 07-07-1972

Act A1159 01-12-2002

19 Act A130 07-07-1972

48 Laws of Malaysia ACT 117
Section Amending authority In force from

20 Act A130 07-07-1972

Act A249 15-03-1974
Act A1159 01-12-2002

21 Act A130 07-07-1972

Act A1159 01-12-2002

22 Act A130 07-07-1972

Act A826 19-07-1992
Act A1159 01-12-2002

24 Act A130 07-07-1972

Act A466 21-09-1979
Act A826 19-07-1992
Act A1159 01-12-2002

25 Act A130 07-07-1972

Act A249 15-03-1974
Act A686 19-02-1988
Act A826 19-07-1992
Act A1159 01-12-2002

26 Act A130 07-07-1972

Act A1159 01-12-2002

26A Act A1159 01-12-2002

27 Act A130 07-07-1972

Act A1159 01-12-2002

28 Act A1159 01-12-2002

29 Act A885 24-06-1994

31 Act A1159 01-12-2002

33 Act A130 07-07-1972

Act A686 19-02-1988
Act A826 19-07-1992
Act A1159 01-12-2002

34 Act A171 30-03-1973

Act A249 15-03-1974
Act A686 19-02-1988
Act A826 19-07-1992
Act A1159 01-12-2002

34A-34C Act A1159 01-12-2002

35 Act A826 19-07-1992

 Architects 49
Section Amending authority In force from

35A Act A249 15-03-1974

Act A1159 01-12-2002

35B-35D Act A1159 01-12-2002

37 Act A130 07-07-1972

Schedule Act A130 07-07-1972

Act A686 19-02-1988
Act A826 19-07-1992
Act A1159 01-12-2002

Throughout the Act Act A686 19-02-1988

DICETAK OLEH
PERCETAKAN NASIONAL MALAYSIA BERHAD,
KUALA LUMPUR
BAGI PIHAK DAN DENGAN PERINTAH KERAJAAN MALAYSIA