• Suite 7/438 Forest Road Hurstville NSW 2220 AUSTRALIA
  • (+61) 2 95863111

Partnering with Accessibility Experts in Malaysia

Our Services.

Our Services & Business.

Association of Consultants in Access Australia Accredited member

The Disability Discrimination Act [DDA] is enforced by the Australian Human Rights Commission [AHRC], through the Federal Courts. The AHRC introduced the Disability Access to Premises Standards [DAPS] in 2010 to assist developers and the building industry broadly, in meeting its obligations under the DDA. The DAPS provides a Disability Access Code, which is no fully encapsulated within the National Construction Code [NCC]. Sydney Access Consultants are experts in interpreting and applying the DAPS and its nuances so that the Performance Requirements of the NCC are met. There are various nuances of the DAPS which provide performance solutions satisfying the NCC, by reference to the intricacies of the various documents provided by the AHRC. In this way, somewhat silly assertions by certifiers of buildings can be avoided, for instance, it is not required to provide Disability Access to the Access Code to and within an office Store Room, even though the Access Code does not specifically exclude it. That is where our expertise comes in. Knowing why an access requirement is imposed, helps us to assist you to meet your objectives under the DDA, without undue hardship. This and other complex strategies, that put a practical nuance on the "written rules", given that we disability access advocates, helps a person with a disability to gain the best outcomes from the built environment.

SDA Accredited Assessor

Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) Design Standards for the NDIS are in transition. Want to know more? The audio content of this video is transcribed here to improve access.

Architect Principal Design Practititoner

The Design and Building Practitioner's Act in NSW regulates the design and construction of apartment buildings, aged care buildings, boarding houses, hostels, student accommodation and Hotels, for instance. Architects that work in this space must be registered design practitioners and follow mandatory processes intended to ensure that the quality issues confronted by strata plans in the past, are avoided.

NCC Livable Housing Design Standards Assessor

As architects with many years in business designing, documenting and constructing livable housing solutions for Social Housing providers as well as private clients, we are highly specialised professionals and our services are available to you in the arduous process that is building procurement. The National Construction Code has adopted elements of the guidelines, as a mandatory Standard fro inclusion in residential developments in an effort to engage developers in the promotion of housing where the home owner can age in place, with disabilities that follow the aging process.

Firm Details
Our Missions.

Firm Details

Suite 7/438 Forest Road Hurstville NSW 2220 AUSTRALIA 02 9586 3111 EAST SYDNEY * SOUTH SYDNEY * NORTH SYDNEY * MID NORTH COAST NSW * BRISBANE *PERTH *KUALA LUMPUR
Assessing your building plans for
Audit Designs.

Assessing your building plans for "suitable access"

It might seem obvious that suitable access means different things for different projects. We need to establish the extent of access required for your project so that our advice is targeted at achieving your outcomes. In short, suitable access is access that is suitable to your requirements.
  • What is Suitable Access?
  • How to Proceed
  • Fee Proposals
Expert People.

Meet Our Professionals.

Gary Finn

Gary Finn

Coogee Beach Branch
Daniel Wong

Daniel Wong

Hurstville Sydney Branch
Sandy Gray

Sandy Gray

Mid North Coast Branch NSW
SYDNEY ACCESS CONSULTANTS (MALAYSIA) PLT

SYDNEY ACCESS CONSULTANTS (MALAYSIA) PLT

Business
Sydney Access Consultants (Malaysia) Plt

Sydney Access Consultants (Malaysia) Plt

Sydney Access Consultants™ is committed to promoting and facilitating equitable access to the built environment for people with a disability. We achieve this by assisting people to find practical, innovative and cost-effective solutions to access questions encountered in everyday life. We have an established team of Architects in Malaysia
Our Services.

Sydney* Coogee* Mid North Coast* (NSW) Brisbane* (Qld) Perth (WA)* Kuala Lumpur*

We are dedicated registered* architect professionals fully qualified in Access Consulting and we improve accessibility, architecture, interior design and perform project management.

Specialist Disability Accommodation

Specialist Disability Accommodation

We are accredited assessors and expert architects in the design of Specialist Disability Accommodation proposed to be enrolled in the NDIS

Access Consultants

Access Consultants

As accredited Access Consultants and architects with many years of involvement in Construction and Project management, our access solutions are thorough and cost effective.

Performance Solutions

Performance Solutions

We inspect and prepare sensible Performance Solutions for DDA compliance in a broad range of public and private sector developments.

Expert Testimony

Expert Testimony

With a lifetime of experience as an architect and qualifications in construction law, detailed examinations in complex matters are regularly prepared by the Principal Architect

Partnering with Accessibility Experts: Why Building Contractors in Malaysia Should Have Sydney Access Consultants on Call

In the dynamic construction sector of Malaysia, where urban development is booming and regulations are stringent, ensuring compliance with disability access standards is crucial for project success. As leading accessibility consultants with offices in Sydney (New South Wales), Perth (Western Australia), and Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Sydney Access Consultants specialize in guiding contractors through the nuances of inclusive design. Having us on call isn't just a compliance measure—it's a strategic edge that streamlines your projects, reduces risks, and enhances your professional standing. In this article, tailored for the Malaysian market, we'll explain why integrating our expertise is an effective choice for building contractors in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor Bahru, and beyond.

The Evolving Landscape of Accessibility in Malaysian Construction

Malaysia's commitment to inclusivity is embedded in key legislation, including the Persons with Disabilities Act 2008 (Act 685), which guarantees equal access to public facilities, amenities, services, and buildings for persons with disabilities (PWDs). This is reinforced by the Uniform Building By-Laws (UBBL) 1991 Amendment (By-Law 34A), making it mandatory for buildings to provide accessible features such as ramps, lifts, and signage. The Malaysian Standard MS 1184:2014 – Universal Design and Accessibility in the Built Environment – Code of Practice provides detailed guidelines for implementation.

Local authorities like Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL) and other municipal councils enforce these standards during approvals and inspections. For contractors, non-compliance can result in delays, penalties under the Street, Drainage and Building Act 1974, or even project halts. With us on call, you gain real-time support to navigate these requirements, ensuring your builds align with both national standards and international best practices influenced by our Australian expertise.

Key Reasons Why Having Us on Call Is Effective for Your Projects

Partnering with Sydney Access Consultants offers practical benefits that extend beyond basic compliance. Here's why it's a wise investment for Malaysian building contractors:

1. Expert Guidance to Avoid Costly Mistakes

Construction in Malaysia often involves high-rise developments and mixed-use projects where accessibility oversights can lead to expensive rectifications. For instance, failing to incorporate compliant tactile indicators or wheelchair-accessible entrances could necessitate rework after local authority inspections.

With our on-call service, certified consultants provide immediate reviews of plans, site audits, and tailored solutions. Drawing from MS 1184:2014 and UBBL By-Law 34A, we help prevent issues early, potentially saving 20-30% in rework costs based on industry data, keeping your budgets on track amid rising material prices.

2. Streamlined Compliance and Faster Approvals

Securing approvals from DBKL, Majlis Bandaraya, or state authorities can be bureaucratic, especially with mandatory accessibility certifications for public and commercial buildings.

We offer on-demand assistance for compliance reports, performance-based solutions, and certifications for various building types. Our Kuala Lumpur office ensures localized knowledge, accelerating approvals for projects in bustling areas like KLCC or Cyberjaya, while bridging with Australian standards for cross-border ventures.

3. Enhanced Project Quality and Innovation

Accessibility fosters universal design, improving spaces for all users—including the elderly, families, and the 4.5% of Malaysians registered with disabilities.

On-call access to our team allows integration of innovative features like automated doors, adjustable facilities, or smart navigation systems from the design phase. This not only complies with MS 1184 but elevates your projects, making them stand out in tenders and earning accolades in Malaysia's competitive construction market.

4. Risk Mitigation and Legal Protection

Under the Persons with Disabilities Act 2008, complaints to the National Welfare Department or courts can lead to fines or mandatory upgrades. Non-compliance risks reputational damage in a socially aware society.

Our services include risk assessments and expert support, minimizing liabilities. Proactive involvement provides robust documentation, safeguarding you against disputes in an industry facing increasing scrutiny.

5. Cost-Effective Expertise Without Full-Time Overhead

Maintaining in-house specialists is costly for contractors handling diverse projects. Our flexible on-call model delivers as-needed support— from quick consultations to in-depth reports—without the overhead.

Ideal for Malaysian firms tackling residential towers in Selangor or commercial hubs in Penang, our services may also align with government incentives for disability-inclusive initiatives.

6. Building a Stronger Reputation and Market Edge

Clients in Malaysia increasingly seek contractors committed to sustainability and inclusivity, aligning with national goals like the Shared Prosperity Vision 2030.

Collaborating with us demonstrates your dedication, attracting ESG-focused clients, government contracts, and partnerships. In an aging population, accessible designs future-proof your work, opening doors to regional opportunities.

How Sydney Access Consultants Supports Building Contractors in Malaysia

Our on-call services are designed to integrate effortlessly into your operations:

  • Initial Consultations: Free evaluations to spot accessibility gaps.
  • Design Reviews: In-depth feedback on blueprints for MS 1184 compliance.
  • Site Inspections: Prompt on-site guidance during construction.
  • Training and Resources: Workshops on Malaysian standards for your team.
  • Certification and Reporting: Thorough documentation for approvals and completions.

With our Kuala Lumpur office at the forefront, we combine local insights with global expertise from Sydney and Perth to support your Malaysian projects effectively.

Make Accessibility a Strength in Your Projects

Having Sydney Access Consultants on call turns accessibility challenges into opportunities for excellence. It ensures your builds are compliant, innovative, and inclusive, boosting efficiency and your market position in Malaysia.

Ready to enhance your construction projects? Contact us today for a no-obligation chat.

Sydney Access Consultants – Empowering Contractors for Inclusive Builds Across Asia