KUALA LUMPUR: The Association of Consulting Architects Malaysia (ACAM) has reminded the public to trust only properly qualified and registered professionals in designing or renovating their properties.
The association said that this is to ensure that the public is not being exposed to swindling or scammed by irresponsible parties in light of recent cases of property owners losing money and other resources instead of getting the end products they desired.
Its president, Jafri Merican, in a statement said many Malaysians overlook the importance of appointing a credible team of consultants and architects for their projects.
"An architect is a rigorously trained professional who has the education, experience, vision and professionalism to guide their clients through the entire design and construction process.
"Architects have obtained university degrees, gone through various qualifying examinations, and more importantly, are regulated by the Board of Architects Malaysia based on the Architect's Act 1967 before they are permitted to set up architectural practice.
"They help work out exactly what the property owner wants to build, how to get it built and get the most out of their budgets."
Meanwhile, the association's immediate past president, Jasmeet Sidhu, said architects were trained to see the bigger picture of the project given to them.
"They are creative and are also rigorously trained individuals capable of seeing the big picture.
"They don't merely prepare some drawings or sign plans for submission to authorities as many average Malaysians tend to think."
Jasmeet also ensured that the public that the registered professionals will always deliver good quality services.
"On the rare occasion that some issues arise, the public can always lodge a complaint with the Board of Architects Malaysia.
"Every architect has his registration annually renewed and is therefore always identifiable and can be held responsible."