Malaysia Must Shift To Preventive Slope Management – Nanta
KUALA LUMPUR, April 29 (Bernama) -- Malaysia must shift its slope management policy from a reactive to a preventive approach to safeguard national infrastructure and ensure the continuity of transport networks, Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said.
He said slopes should no longer be viewed merely as technical issues, but as critical assets that directly affect public safety, transport system stability and the country’s operational resilience.
"The reality is that slope failures have consequences far beyond physical damage. They can disrupt vital links between urban and rural areas, interrupt logistics chains, increase operating costs, and most importantly, undermine public confidence in the quality and reliability of our national infrastructure," he said.
Speaking when opening the International Conference on Slope 2026 (ICOS 2026) here today, Nanta said policy priorities should focus on preventive investment and early, data-driven interventions to maximise safety outcomes, with slope management viewed through three key lenses, namely service resilience, cost efficiency and governance and finance.
He said infrastructure, particularly the road network, must remain functional during extreme weather to reduce disruption risks and enable swift recovery, while a preventive approach was more cost-effective than repairing damage after slope failures.
He added that slope-related issues required coordinated management involving multiple parties and clear governance frameworks.
Meanwhile, Nanta said ICOS 2026 served as a platform to develop an action plan on slope management, strengthen early warning systems and introduce practical, innovative solutions to address operational challenges.
"Slope safety is not merely a technical task, but a long-term commitment we owe to the people," he said.
He also expressed appreciation to international experts attending the conference, saying global expertise and shared insights were vital in addressing slope management challenges amid climate uncertainty.
-- BERNAMA
