KUALA LUMPUR: There is a pressing need to regulate building inspectors to safeguard home buyers from the increasing fraud and exploitation that has surged since the pandemic.

National House Buyers Association of Malaysia (HBA) honorary secretary-general Datuk Chang Kim Loong said the growing demand for building inspection services in Malaysia has underscored the necessity for industry regulation.

Cases of unqualified and unprofessional building inspectors taking advantage of home buyers have raised serious concerns regarding public safety, consumer rights, and industry integrity, he told NST Property.

He cited the case of a home buyer, Sam, who engaged a building inspector to assess defects in his newly purchased condominium. The housing developer claimed the unit met acceptable standards, but in reality, it did not.

Despite paying RM600 for a detailed inspection report, the inspector later refused to cooperate in joint site visits without additional fees.

Eventually, Sam discovered that the inspector lacked the necessary credentials, raising doubts about his credibility at the Housing Tribunal.

"This case highlights the pressing need for regulatory oversight of building inspectors to safeguard home buyers from deception and malpractice," Chang said.

Building surveyors, commonly known as building inspectors, were introduced in Malaysia in the early 2000s.

However, their role remained relatively unknown until the COVID-19 pandemic and Movement Control Order (MCO) led to a surge in demand for their services.

Many foreign home buyers and investors, unable to visit their properties, relied on building inspectors to conduct assessments.

However, the rise in demand for building inspectors has attracted unqualified individuals to the profession.

According to Chang, some attended short certification courses and falsely presented themselves as certified assessors, while others had no relevant training or experience.

This has led to a price war among unqualified inspectors, with fees as low as RM200-RM400 per inspection, reports lacking accuracy, and professional liability. There have also been increased legal disputes where unqualified inspectors' credibility is challenged in court and tribunals.

Chang highlighted key issues faced by the industry currently, including public safety and interest.

He said that building inspectors are responsible for ensuring that inspected structures meet safety standards. Their work must comply with regulations such as the Street, Drainage, and Building Act 1974 (Act 133).

Unqualified inspectors may overlook critical defects, endangering occupants, he said.

The other concern is violation of home buyers' rights. Home buyers rely on building inspectors to highlight construction defects and substandard workmanship. Engaging unqualified inspectors can lead to misleading reports, resulting in financial loss and safety risks for buyers, he said.

Chang said the influx of unqualified inspectors damages the reputation of professional building surveyors.

Public trust in the profession is eroded due to negative experiences with incompetent inspectors.

There is also an impact on property developers and contractors. Incompetent building inspectors often fail to adhere to approved construction quality standards, causing inconsistencies in industry practices.

According to Chang, some developers have expressed concerns over additional costs and disputes arising from inaccurate reports.

As Malaysia progresses toward becoming a developed nation, it is crucial to ensure that all buildings—both new and existing—are inspected by professional, qualified building inspectors, said Chang.

With the increasing demand for building inspection services during vacant possession, now is the time to regulate the conduct of building inspectors before the issue escalates further.

To ensure high standards and maintain public trust in building inspectors, Chang urges the government to implement regulatory measures. He also stresses the need for the establishment of a Building Surveying Act or a professional board to regulate and oversee the conduct of building inspectors.

This would protect public interests, uphold consumer rights, and guarantee the quality of work and services provided by building inspectors.

Those with relevant academic qualifications and professional experience in building inspection—including architects and engineers—should be eligible to register and be recognized as professional building inspectors. This will help eliminate unqualified individuals who have tarnished the industry's reputation.

''Home buyers must exercise caution and ensure they engage licensed and professional building inspectors. Implementing regulatory measures will protect consumers, uphold industry integrity, and ensure building inspections are conducted to the highest standards."

"A well-regulated industry will ultimately benefit home buyers, developers, and society by guaranteeing the safety and quality of inspected buildings."