KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s slope management policy must shift away from being reactionary to being preventative to ensure the safety of our roads and national infrastructure, says Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi.
The Works Minister said slopes should be recognised as key assets of the country and must be treated as such, with frequent monitoring and maintenance.
“Slopes are not merely geotechnical elements; they are critical assets that directly influence public safety, the stability of transport networks, and our country’s operational resilience.
“The reality is that slope failures have consequences far beyond physical damage as they can disrupt vital links between urban and rural areas, interrupt logistics chains, and increase operating costs.
“As such, we must move from managing slope incidents to managing possible risks; from repairing damage to preventing failures,” he said in his opening speech at the International Conference On Slope (ICOS) 2026 here on Wednesday (April 29).
He also called for a shift away from fragmented, stand-alone slope management projects towards an integrated slope management ecosystem.
Nanta also highlighted the need for this due to the high risk that some of the slopes they monitor constantly pose, yet they have not yet seen any accidents.
He then explained that his ministry had already begun shifting towards a more preventative slope management structure.
“The government expects risk management that is clearer and more transparent, covering technical compliance, maintenance discipline, development control in sensitive areas and coordinated action.
“Our policy priorities must now shift towards preventive investment and early, data-driven interventions to ensure that every ringgit spent delivers the greatest possible safety impact for the people,” he said.
To this, Nanta said ICOS was key to helping the ministry achieve the Ministry’s goal of developing a clear action plan on strengthening slope management.
Other goals of ICOS include developing a more effective, rapid early warning system and practical innovative solutions to resolve the slope management and maintenance challenges faced in routine operations.
“If we can translate the intellectual discourse of ICOS into tangible steps, we will be building a safer Malaysia for the well-being of our people,” he added.
Held for two days from April 29 to April 30, ICOS 2026 will see over 500 experts in slope engineering and geotechnical practice take part in various technical insight and solution discussions on slope safety and resilience.
