SOMETIMES I wonder how land owners in Malaysia can get approval to build their houses so easily when plans to do so would generally require the local council to ensure that all the proper guidelines are adhered to, with architect certification, soil test, foundation and structural plans, stress test and the submission by civil engineers in regard to the building.
Having lived in Australia for more than five years, I know that if a person wishes to construct a house or rebuild or modify his house from a single-storey to a three-storey house or even change the facade, he not only has to get an approval from the Housing Council but also the consent of all the neighbours in his block or street.