The Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) has observed ongoing confusion among certain agencies and members of the public regarding the respective roles of geotechnical engineers and geologists, particularly in matters involving slope stability, foundations, retaining structures, and the safety of buildings.

For the safety and integrity of slopes, retaining walls, foundations, and buildings, it is the professional engineer who holds the legal and professional responsibility to design, supervise, and ensure that construction is carried out in accordance with engineering standards in order to safeguard public safety and interest. This responsibility is especially critical in slope-failure remediation and slope-reinstatement works.

BEM maintains stringent academic, training, and professional practice requirements for registration as a Professional Engineer, ensuring that only individuals with the requisite engineering competence are allowed to undertake such duties.

In carrying out the design or reinstatement of slopes and foundations, a geotechnical engineer may engage a geologist when necessary to provide specialised input on geological conditions and geomorphological characteristics. These inputs serve as complementary contributions to support the engineering analysis and design.

This collaborative approach is universal and widely adopted internationally, recognising that the overall responsibility for engineering design and public safety lies with the professional engineer, while specialised geological expertise is engaged as required to inform and enhance the engineering process.

At the heart of every structure and every slope lies a simple human need, the need to feel safe. When engineers and geologists work together within their defined roles, we honour that trust, uphold our duty and contribute to a safer Malaysia - one design, one project, one slope and one neighbourhood at a time.