KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s slope management policy must shift from reactionary to preventative to ensure the safety of our roads and national infrastructure, says Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi (pic).
The Works Minister said this is necessary because slopes must be recognised and treated as national key assets requiring 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,” he said in his speech at the International Conference On Slope (Icos) 2026 yesterday.
As such, Nanta said there must be a shift from managing slope incidents to managing potential risks; and from repairing damaged slopes to preventing slope failures.
He also said there must be a shift from fragmented, stand-alone slope management projects towards an integrated slope management ecosystem.
He noted the need for such approaches due to the high risk that some monitored slopes pose, although they have yet to experience any failures.
He said his ministry has already begun shifting towards a more preventative slope management framework.
“The government expects risk management that is clearer and more transparent.
“This covers technical compliance, maintenance discipline, development control in sensitive areas and coordinated action,” Nanta added.
He described the convention as key in helping his ministry achieve its goal of developing a clear action plan on slope management.
Among the other goals of Icos, he added, are developing a more effective rapid early warning system and practical, innovative solutions for slope management and maintenance.
“If we can translate the intellectual discourse of Icos into tangible steps, we will be building a safer Malaysia,” he added.
