...was just back from a meeting discussing on ways to improve the delivery system,namely quick planning approval ( Planning Permission ). It seems now-days that the favorite scapegoat for late approvals,unbridled rise of the price of houses/housing and poor international rating-is the Town Planning Profession and Town Planners. Although the brunt of the blame is put on private sector practitioners , those in the public sector are not spared either,especially those at the local council and those involved with Planning Permission ( State and OSC ).
Why has this happened ? Firstly its a result of ignorance of those who like to point their filthy fingers ( namely some developers and some Architects ) at Town Planners. The law clearly differentiates between Planning Permission and Planning Permission for the erection of building ( please dont be confused with the term used by one Minister of Information a few years back,when explaining that Malaysia has political freedom because we have "erection" every five years ! )
To put it in lay man's term, KM-Planning-leave it to the Town Planners,KM-Erection of Building is basically the Architects area,though there are "grey" areas in both type of KM due to either simplicity or complexity of the issues which will skew towards one or the other of the profession.
Although the government has initiated many new initiatives ( OSC ) to expedite the process,approvals from "other departments" are still slow,sometimes too slow. The favorite approval letter now contains,approved "subject to...",in other words,not approved yet ! Because some areas are too sensitive to be given quick and blanket approval. There are also cases of corruption and inefficient public servants as well as unprofessional,unethical practitioners-Architects,Planners and Engineers.
The creation of private entities like TNB,IWK etc has added some problems-and delay - and added to the cost because of "contributions".
In Malaysia, Land is a state matter-and at times these has resulted in inter department rivalry,state-federal differences and political interference...these and many other areas are the reason that cause delay in obtaining approvals ( including submissions that does not meet minimal standard requirement by all professionals-not just planners )
So please,please...before you make wild and unfounded allegations...check your facts...There are too many variables in the development process,for you to simply put the blame on Town Planners ! Please take a look at the contribution of others in his process ,the weaknesses within your own house and the system and suggest positive ways to improve and not simply blame us...WE resent that...
