CONSTRUCTION LAW · KOTA KINABALU · SABAH
Considered legal counsel for construction matters that carry real weight
Contract review, payment disputes, extension of time claims, and adjudication support — for property owners, developers, and contractors across Malaysia.
SECTION 01 — SERVICES
Three focused engagements for construction law matters
The work is organised around the stages at which legal support tends to be most consequential — before a project begins, during a live dispute, and when a matter has become complex enough to require formal proceedings.
Contract Review & Pre-Project Advisory
A careful read of your construction contract — PAM, CIDB, or bespoke — before work begins. Written advisory note grouped by significance, covering payment terms, defect liability, completion regimes, and dispute resolution.
- Review of main contract and schedules
- Written advisory note by significance
- Notes for your project manager
Variation, Payment & Delay Claim Engagement
Appraisal and preparation of variation order claims, payment certifications, extension of time, and delay-related disputes during a live project. Formal correspondence, measured negotiation, and adjudication support where needed.
- Honest strength-of-position appraisal
- Formal correspondence and negotiation
- Statutory adjudication support
Dispute & Adjudication Programme
Comprehensive case preparation for significant disputes before the construction adjudication framework, arbitration, or the courts. Full review, expert instruction, submission drafting, and hearing conduct. Senior counsel coordination where appropriate.
- Full case preparation and records review
- Expert instruction and submission drafting
- Settlement options kept open throughout
SECTION 02 — APPROACH
Structured practice built around construction work
Construction disputes carry their own procedural rhythms — payment timelines, certification windows, adjudication timetables. The practice is organised to work within those rhythms rather than against them.
Contract-First Analysis
Every engagement begins with a thorough read of the contract documents rather than a generic assessment. The advice reflects what your specific contract actually says.
Adjudication-Ready Preparation
Claims prepared with the Construction Industry Payment and Adjudication Act framework in view from the outset — not retrofitted when escalation becomes necessary.
Plain Written Advice
Advisory notes and correspondence are written for project teams, not just legal colleagues. The positions and recommendations are stated plainly.
Settlement Kept in View
Dispute resolution options are revisited at each meaningful stage. The objective is a workable outcome, not prolonged engagement for its own sake.
Sabah & East Malaysia Presence
Based in Kota Kinabalu with working familiarity of construction activity across Sabah, Sarawak, and West Malaysia. Practical knowledge of regional project conditions.
Defined Scope and Fees
Engagement letters set out clear scope, fee structure, and the points at which the matter is re-evaluated. Transparent from the first instruction.
CONSULTATION
Do you have a contract to review before work begins?
A pre-project contract review is considerably less costly than addressing problems that surface mid-construction. The team is available for an initial conversation about your matter.
SECTION 03 — FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What types of construction contracts does the team review?
The team works with the full range of standard forms used in Malaysia — PAM 2006, PAM 2018, CIDB 2000, JKR forms, PWD 203A, and bespoke contracts. Subcontract forms and letters of award are also reviewed as part of the standard contract review engagement.
How does adjudication under CIPAA work?
The Construction Industry Payment and Adjudication Act 2012 provides a statutory mechanism for rapid resolution of payment disputes. A claimant serves a Payment Claim, and if not resolved, the matter proceeds to an appointed Adjudicator. The full process from claim to decision typically runs around 90 to 140 days. Decisions are binding and enforceable unless challenged in court on specific grounds.
When should a contractor engage a construction lawyer?
There are three points where legal involvement tends to add the most value: before signing (contract review), when a variation or payment dispute first surfaces (before positions harden), and when the matter is being prepared for formal proceedings. Waiting until a dispute is already in adjudication or litigation often limits the available options.
Does the firm handle matters outside Sabah?
Yes. The team advises on construction matters across Malaysia, including projects in Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia. The firm is based in Kota Kinabalu but works with clients on a national basis. Meetings can be conducted by telephone or video call when travel is not practical.
What is included in the fee at each engagement level?
Each engagement letter sets out scope, deliverables, and fee structure before work begins. The contract review engagement at RM 750 covers the written advisory note and project manager notes. The payment and delay engagement at RM 1,800 covers appraisal, correspondence, and adjudication support through to decision. The dispute programme at RM 2,250 covers full case preparation and hearing conduct. The fee structure and scope are re-evaluated at defined points in larger matters.
How quickly can an initial consultation be arranged?
The team typically responds to enquiries within one working day. For matters with an adjudication or contractual deadline, please note the urgency in your message and a member of the team will respond as soon as possible — usually the same day.
SECTION 04 — LOCATION
Our office in Kota Kinabalu
Lot 6, Likas Square, Jalan Istiadat, 88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
SECTION 05 — CONTACT
Get in Touch
Use the form to send an initial message, or contact the team directly by phone or email.
Contact Details
TELEPHONE
+60 88-274 6831
info@stellari
ADDRESS
Lot 6, Likas Square
Jalan Istiadat
88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
WORKING HOURS
Monday – Friday: 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
Saturday: 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Sunday & Public Holidays: Closed
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