Issues and challenges faced by building surveyors in Malaysia

Abstract

Purpose

A Building Surveyor (BS) is a professional who carries out building control functions and performance‐related assessments which require an organised approach. The profession is involved in preparing for physical development, supervision of construction quality and assessment of the physical condition of a building. However, the awareness of the importance of BSs in Malaysia is still very low. The capabilities of BS graduates have long been debated by other professionals in the Malaysian construction industry and there are some issues that need to be clarified prior to the granting of government approval to the profession. The purpose of this paper is to concentrate on the issues and challenges faced by graduate building surveyors in Malaysia. In addition, the paper focuses on the employment trend of BS graduates.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a literature review, a triangulation approach was used in this study which involved a questionnaire survey (sample size 64) and interviews with selected respondents.

Findings

From the results, it can be concluded that BSs are still in high demand in Malaysia, even without the Building Surveyor Act, which is required to provide government endorsement of the profession. In terms of challenges faced by graduate BSs, the lack of a specific act governing BS practices and approved by the government was found to be the most important challenge that needs to be resolved as soon as possible.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the debate about the importance of ensuring statutory recognition of the BS profession in Malaysia.

Citation

Shah Ali, A. and Jia Woon, C. (2013), "Issues and challenges faced by building surveyors in Malaysia", Structural Survey, Vol. 31 No. 1, pp. 35-42. https://doi.org/10.1108/02630801311304404