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KUALA LUMPUR (May 1): Dexter Koh Yew Peng (pictured) has been elected as the new president of Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia (PAM) following the institute’s Annual General Meeting on Saturday
Koh is leading the new PAM council for the 2026/2027 term alongside deputy president Norzaini Mufti, vice president Datuk Zulkhairi Md Zain, honorary secretary David Teoh Wui Leng and honorary treasurer Ellina Suhaida Abdul Rahman.
The new president’s first official initiative is the release of a Practice Note designed to guide the construction industry through current supply chain disruptions and sudden material price escalations.
"Latest market data and strategic briefings regarding the global supply chain confirm that construction costs are unlikely to return to previous levels. The industry must accept this reality and adapt to this new baseline," Koh stated in a press statement issued on Thursday.
The Practice Note provides industry-wide guidance to architects administering PAM Form of Contracts to encourage collaborative resolutions to cost disputes and reduce the risk of abandoned projects.
Koh also encouraged local governments to expedite planning and building application approvals to mitigate the current economic downturn.
The institute expressed openness to working with the Ministry of Local Government Development (KPKT) to fast-track approvals and suggested targeted discounts on submission fees to incentivise developers.
Furthermore, Koh called upon clients, including government agencies and government-linked companies, to adhere to statutory fee requirements and equitable payment milestones.
“Furthermore, professional fees must be upheld in accordance with statutory requirements within the Architects Act and subsidiary rules.
"We call upon all clients — including government agencies and government-linked companies which can lead by example — to adhere to statutory fee requirements and equitable payment milestones.
"This is a fundamental business necessity to ensure architects are fully resourced to administer contracts robustly and deliver projects successfully,” said Koh.
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