KUALA LUMPUR: Business entities and authorities have been urged to enhance infrastructure maintenance following the sinkhole incident in Jalan Masjid India here.

Malaysia Institute of Transport director and Universiti Teknologi Mara Assoc Prof Dr Wan Mazlina Wan Mohamed said it is necessary to have a dedicated maintenance fund.

“Currently, Malaysia seems to prioritise new construction over the upkeep of existing infrastructure. In contrast, European countries routinely invest in summer maintenance projects to keep their infrastructure in optimal condition.

“A dedicated maintenance fund would ensure ongoing infrastructure stability and help prevent costly and safety disruptions,” she told Bernama.

Wan Mazlina said that preventive maintenance not only addresses minor issues before they become major problems, but also extends the lifespan of infrastructure.

“Investing in preventive maintenance is crucial for protecting lives. Well-maintained infrastructure significantly reduces the risk of failures that could jeopardise public safety.

“Allocating funds for routine maintenance minimises operational business disruptions and contributes to overall safety,” she added.

Wan Mazlina also highlighted the role of data-driven decision-making in infrastructure management.

“Businesses and authorities must leverage data analytics to monitor infrastructure performance and make informed decisions about resource allocation.

“However, Malaysia’s fragmented data collection and the reluctance of private companies to share information impede this process,” she said.

Wan Mazlina said establishing a comprehensive and integrated database could improve forecasting and planning, which could reduce infrastructure-related issues.

She added it could enhance safety and efficiency.

On Saturday, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil was reported as saying that mapping utilities are crucial to understand the underground situation as many areas contain pipelines and electric cables that are sometimes inaccurately mapped by utility companies.

“I have received many complaints that during the development of projects, dredging work often reveals large TNB (Tenaga Nasional Bhd) cables, for example, which were not indicated on the map.

“Hence, there is a need for collaboration with the Kuala Lumpur mayor to ensure that we not only have mapping on the surface, but also utility mapping,” he said.

To ensure the efficient use of maintenance funds, Wan Mazlina suggested implementing performance metrics to evaluate maintenance and upgrade projects.

“These metrics help ensure that resources are used effectively and projects meet their objectives. For businesses, this translates to better infrastructure management and reduced risk of disruptions.

“More importantly, effective maintenance and performance evaluation can prevent incidents with serious safety implications, creating a safer environment for all,” she added.

Meanwhile, Alliance for a Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said a high-level committee, to be chaired by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa, should be formed to look into the matter.

He said the committee should include Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Seri Dr Maimunah Mohd Sharif, senior engineers, geologists and officials from the Minerals and Geoscience Department.

“This committee should complete its task in record time to restore public confidence and ensure the safety of the millions of people who walk the streets on a daily basis for work, leisure, or school,” he said in a statement.

He also urged the authorities to monitor land surface changes regularly to identify signs of potential sinkholes and take the right precautions.

Lee said last Friday’s tragedy, where an Indian tourist identified as Vijayalaksmi, 48, fell into a sinkhole, not only poses a significant threat to public safety, but also has profound repercussions for the business community there.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/08/26/instil-infrastructure-maintenance-culture-say-experts