His call places the focus on when a site is assessed, not simply whether its buildings or landscape are discussed later. The assessment he described would identify a site’s heritage value, its significance to the community and the likely effect of a proposed development.

DayakDaily reported his remarks from the Sarawak Public Communication Unit. He was speaking at the ICOMOS gathering at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching.

Len Talif, the deputy minister responsible for urban planning, land administration and environment, also called for closer work between heritage bodies, planners, environmental institutions, councils, researchers and community leaders.

For owners and communities facing future proposals, the distinction is between considering heritage while choices remain open and trying to protect it only after key decisions. These remarks set out a planning approach; the reported speech did not announce a new statutory approval rule or a specific project restriction.