I have come across instances where certain individuals appear to be falsely claiming professional titles such as PE, Ir., or Ts. This is a very serious concern, as such misrepresentation may lead to the submission or approval of engineering drawings that were not prepared or certified by properly registered professionals.
In Malaysia, this constitutes a serious offence under the Registration of Engineers Act 1967 and related regulations. Even for foreign Professional Engineers, compliance with the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) is mandatory, including proper registration as a Graduate Engineer, Professional Engineer, or PEPC, where applicable. Failure to comply undermines regulatory integrity and can have severe consequences on the validity of submissions to authorities, project approvals, and overall public safety.
Key concerns include:
-Potential submission of unverified or unauthorised engineering drawings
-Risk of non-compliant designs being approved by authorities
-Breach of legal and professional standards under Malaysian law
-Undermining trust in the engineering profession and regulatory system
-Unfair disadvantage to genuine professionals who have fulfilled all required qualifications, examinations, and registrations
I strongly urge the relevant authorities and regulatory bodies to investigate and take appropriate action against such individuals. Enforcement is essential to preserve the integrity of the profession, protect public safety, and ensure that those who have legitimately earned their professional status are not undermined by misconduct.
Being an engineer whether in civil, mechanical, electrical, or M&E disciplines does not automatically make one a Professional Engineer.
The title of Professional Engineer is not simply a job designation, it is a protected professional status that must be earned through proper qualifications, verified experience, and formal registration with the relevant regulatory body. It reflects a higher level of accountability, competence, and legal responsibility in engineering practice.
This system exists to ensure public safety, maintain professional standards, and uphold trust in engineering works and approvals. It also protects the integrity of the profession by distinguishing between general engineering practitioners and those who have achieved professional registration through rigorous evaluation and commitment.