KUALA LUMPUR, August 20 - The existing Act contained in the Board of Architects Malaysiaa (LAM) must be utilised fully in tackling the activities of 'ulat arkitek' (fly-by-night architects and unregistered companies).

Minister of Works, Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi explained that disciplinary action or fines will also be imposed on registered architects if they violate the act.

He said, as an agency under the Ministry of Works (KKR), LAM basically regulates professions registered under Act 117 to ensure the interests and safety of the public.

"(Do) refer to the regulations in the LAM. LAM does have its own acts, the Architects Act 1967, Act 117 and acts under it.

"In addition, the CIDB or the Malaysian Construction Industry Development Board Act 1994 regulates contractors. So anything under all that has been used to deal with such problem," he told reporters after attending the Works Ministry (KKR) monthly assembly and the launch of the the ministry’s National Month celebration here.

The activities of 'ulat arkitek' are illegal activities by unregistered firms or companies which offer architectural and interior design services and are alleged to have existed for a long time as well as are damaging to the industry.

In the meantime, he also informed that as of July 31, the number of 'sick' projects that are currently under the attention of the Public Works Department (JKR) is 31 out of a total of 788 projects.