You have the land, the budget, and the vision for your dream home. But before the first foundation is poured, there is a crucial, non-negotiable hurdle every landowner must clear: obtaining building plan approval from the Local Authority, or Pihak Berkuasa Tempatan (PBT). This process can seem like a complex maze of paperwork and regulations, but it exists for a critical reason: to ensure your home is built safely and legally.
At iDFAC Engineering Solutions, we manage this entire process for our clients. We believe an informed homeowner is an empowered one. This guide will demystify the PBT approval process, breaking it down into clear, manageable steps so you understand exactly what’s required to move your project from blueprint to reality.
Under Malaysia’s Street, Drainage and Building Act 1974, all new construction requires formal approval from the local council governing your area (e.g., MBSA for Shah Alam, MBPJ for Petaling Jaya). Building without a permit can lead to severe penalties, including hefty fines, stop-work orders, and even the forced demolition of your unapproved structure.
You, the homeowner, do not submit the plans directly. The process involves a certified professional known as the Principal Submitting Person (PSP).
Your Role (The Homeowner): To appoint a qualified PSP and provide all necessary ownership documents.
The PSP’s Role (Your Architect/Engineer): Your registered Architect or Professional Engineer is responsible for preparing all technical drawings according to PBT standards, compiling the necessary documents, and officially submitting the application on your behalf.
Most local councils in Malaysia now use a streamlined digital system called the One Stop Centre (OSC) 3.0 Plus Online portal for all development submissions. Here’s how the process generally works:
Step 1: Document Preparation Your PSP will compile a comprehensive submission package. While specific requirements vary slightly between PBTs, the core documents always include :
Completed Application Forms (e.g., Form A).
Copies of Land Title, latest Quit Rent (Cukai Tanah), and Assessment (Cukai Taksiran) receipts.
Detailed Architectural Plans (floor plans, elevations, sections).
Structural Plans endorsed by a Professional Engineer.
Step 2: Submission via OSC Online Your PSP will upload all documents to the OSC portal for the relevant PBT. The system then distributes the application to various internal and external technical agencies (like the Engineering Department, Fire Department, and utility companies) for review.
Step 3: The Waiting Period This is where patience is key. The OSC process, which coordinates feedback from multiple agencies, is thorough. You should realistically budget four to six months for the entire approval process to be completed.
Step 4: Approval and Permit to Build Once all agencies have given their clearance and the PBT is satisfied that your plans comply with all regulations, they will issue the official Building Plan Approval. Only after this approval is granted can construction legally begin.
Navigating the PBT approval process requires technical knowledge and experience. Choosing an integrated partner like iDFAC, with an in-house team of engineers and project managers, ensures that your submission is professional, complete, and managed efficiently, minimizing the risk of costly delays.
While this guide covers the construction phase, the entire journey to building a home is much more comprehensive. For a complete A-Z roadmap covering everything from land assessment to final handover, read our Complete Guide to Building a Home in Malaysia.
Explore our next Ultimate Guide To Home Renovation & Interior Design.
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An integrated contractor like iDFAC manages all key services—building, civil, M&E, solar, and interiors—with our own in-house teams. This provides you with one point of contact, eliminating the risks, delays, and communication gaps common when juggling multiple companies. It’s a turnkey construction service designed for efficiency and peace of mind.
Absolutely. iDFAC Engineering Solutions is a registered company and holds a Grade G3 license from the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) for Building (B04), Civil Engineering (CE21), and Mechanical & Electrical (ME) works. This ensures our operations meet strict national standards for quality and safety.
Our primary operational areas are Selangor and Kuala Lumpur (KL), including key locations like Shah Alam, Klang Valley, Putrajaya, and Ampang. We have also completed projects across Peninsular Malaysia, including in Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, and Perak.
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The process generally involves design and planning, submission for local council (PBT) approval, financing, construction, and obtaining the Certificate of Completion and Compliance (CCC). Our integrated service is designed to guide you through every step, making the journey clear and manageable.
