The Dewan Rakyat today approved the Licensed Land Surveyors (Amendment) Bill 2024 after its second and third readings by Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Sustainability (NRES), Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad.
“This amendment aims to improve and strengthen the existing act, namely the Licensed Land Surveyors Act 1958 (Act 458), in line with the current trends and advancements in the country.
The success achieved today marks a historic moment as this act has never been amended despite the rapid technological advancements and the introduction of new terms related to the field of surveying.” Nik Nazmi said.
The amendments to Act 458 involve 15 sections, including the creation of 2 new sections, amendments to 9 existing sections and 1 schedule, replacement of 1 section, and 1 transitional provision.
These amendments cover four scopes: (i) strengthening the act through new provisions in line with current requirements and the development of the Licensed Land Surveyors (LLS) profession, (ii) expanding the scope of work for LLS and the powers of the Land Surveyors Board (LSB) in the field of geomatics surveying, in addition to land surveying, (iii) increasing the fines for professional misconduct of LLS and for criminal offenses of any non-LLS individuals, and (iv) abolishing old terms, adding new definitions and interpretations, and significant minor amendments.
“Through these act amendments, an LLS is empowered to perform various surveying works in geomatics discipline based on survey accurate technique according to the recognized surveying datum by the Department of Survey and Mapping Malaysia (JUPEM).
This will ensure that the standards and quality of work produced by LLS in the country are at the highest level. Additionally, these amendments also recognize the use of the abbreviation “LSr,” which stands for Land Surveyor for a registered land surveyor.
The use of the abbreviation “LSr” will be regulated by the LSB and will enable the role of LLS to be recognized as with other professional groups.” Nik Nazmi added.
To prevent LLS from making professional mistakes while conducting land title surveying and geomatics surveying works, the fine rates that the LSB can impose on LLS have also been amended and increased from RM500 to not exceeding RM100,000.
This increase is equivalent to the fine rates imposed by other professional bodies and is in line with the current situation, as the existing rates have not been raised since 1958.
Additionally, in line with technological advancements and digitalization efforts to enhance service delivery, a new section, section 19A, has been introduced to allow any records, survey data, or documents required under this act to be submitted electronically or sent electronically.
This amendment is significant with the latest advancements in the digital field and can encourage efficient time and resource management.
“The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment believes that these act amendments can have a positive impact by enhancing the professionalism and career advancement of LLS, improving protection for the rights and interests of LLS service users, and ensuring that legislation related to geomatics surveying in the country is in line with current trends and global technological advancements.” Nik Nazmi said.
