Understanding the responsibilities of a Professional Engineer (PE) under the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) Regulations is crucial, because once you get your Ir. title, you are legally accountable under the Registration of Engineers Act 1967 (Revised 2015).
Let’s go through this step by step 👇
⚖️ 1. Legal Foundation
Your duties and responsibilities as a Professional Engineer are defined mainly under:
- Registration of Engineers Act 1967 (Revised 2015)
- Registration of Engineers Regulations 1990 (Amendment 2017)
- BEM Code of Professional Conduct
Once registered, you are legally bound by these laws — not just moral obligations.
🏛️ 2. Definition of a Professional Engineer (PE)
A Professional Engineer (Ir.) is a person who:
“has been registered under Section 10(2) of the Act and is entitled to describe or hold himself as a Professional Engineer.”
You can only:
- Use the title “Ir.” before your name.
- Take legal responsibility for engineering designs, drawings, and reports.
- Certify or endorse engineering documents submitted to authorities (e.g., DOSH, JKKP, JKR, local councils).
So — with this title, you are personally liable for the safety, functionality, and compliance of what you endorse.
⚙️ 3. Core Responsibilities of a Professional Engineer
Here are the main professional and legal responsibilities under BEM:
1️⃣ Responsibility to Protect Public Safety and Welfare
- Paramount duty: ensure public safety, health, property, and environment are protected.
- Never approve or carry out work that could cause harm, injury, or environmental damage.
- Must stop or report unsafe practices.
Example:
If a boiler system design violates pressure safety standards (ASME Sec I or API 520), you must not endorse it — even if the client insists.
2️⃣ Responsibility to Practise Within Competence
- A PE shall only undertake work within their field of expertise.
- You cannot sign or design in disciplines you are not qualified in (e.g., a Mechanical PE cannot endorse Electrical design).
Example:
If the scope includes a high-voltage switchgear system, you must involve a competent Electrical PE.
3️⃣ Responsibility to Supervise and Certify Work
- When signing drawings or reports, you certify that:
- The design complies with applicable codes and standards.
- The work was properly supervised and inspected.
- You must maintain adequate supervision of staff, technicians, and site works under your care.
Example:
In plant commissioning, you must ensure all safety interlocks and pressure tests are verified before signing completion certificates.
4️⃣ Responsibility for Professional Conduct and Integrity
- Must uphold honesty, fairness, and impartiality.
- Avoid bribery, fraud, or conflicts of interest.
- Must disclose any conflict that might influence your judgement.
Example:
You cannot accept commissions from contractors for selecting their product in your design.
5️⃣ Responsibility for Confidentiality
- Protect confidential information obtained from clients or employers.
- Do not misuse data or trade secrets for personal gain.
6️⃣ Responsibility to BEM and the Profession
- Must comply with the Act and Regulations.
- Report unethical or unsafe conduct by other engineers if it endangers public safety.
- Support the profession through mentorship and ethical promotion.
7️⃣ Responsibility for Continuous Professional Development (CPD)
- You must maintain and update your knowledge through CPD hours every year.
- BEM requires a minimum of 50 CPD hours over 3 years (or as per the latest regulation).
- Failure to maintain competency may lead to suspension or non-renewal.
8️⃣ Responsibility When Using the Title “Ir.”
- The title “Ir.” cannot be used for marketing or misleading purposes.
- You can only use it in your discipline of registration (e.g., Ir. Hashim – Mechanical).
- Misuse of the title is an offence under Section 24 of the Act.
⚠️ 4. Legal Accountability
Under Section 15 & 16 of the Act, a Professional Engineer may face disciplinary action if found guilty of:
- Negligence, incompetence, or misconduct.
- Signing work not done under their supervision.
- Misrepresentation or conflict of interest.
- Endorsing work endangering life or property.
Penalties may include:
- Suspension or cancellation of registration.
- Fine or imprisonment (for severe violations).
- Removal from BEM register.
⚠️ Example: If a boiler explodes due to poor safety design you endorsed, you could be legally liable for negligence — even if the client pressured you.
🧩 5. Summary Table — Key Responsibilities of a Professional Engineer (Ir.)
| No. | Responsibility | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Public Safety | Protect life, property, and environment above all else. |
| 2 | Competence | Only work in areas you are qualified in. |
| 3 | Supervision | Personally supervise and certify engineering works. |
| 4 | Integrity | Be honest, fair, and impartial in all dealings. |
| 5 | Confidentiality | Respect client and employer confidentiality. |
| 6 | Professional Conduct | Avoid misconduct, bribery, or conflict of interest. |
| 7 | Compliance with BEM Act | Follow all legal requirements and codes. |
| 8 | CPD Maintenance | Continue learning and maintain technical competence. |
🧠 6. In Interview Context (How to Answer)
If interviewer asks:
“What are your responsibilities as a Professional Engineer under BEM Regulations?”
You can summarize like this 👇
“As a Professional Engineer, my foremost responsibility under BEM Regulations is to protect the safety, health, and welfare of the public.
I must only practise within my area of competence, ensure my designs comply with applicable codes, and personally supervise work that I certify.
I’m also responsible for maintaining professional integrity, avoiding conflicts of interest, and continuing my professional development to remain competent.
Finally, I must comply fully with the Registration of Engineers Act and uphold the honour of the engineering professional.#ProfessionalEngineer #ir #engineer #SteamEngineer
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