Kuala lumpur: 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 emphasized that slopes should not merely be regarded as technical issues, but as critical assets influencing public safety, transport stability, and the nation's resilience.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Nanta highlighted the broader implications of slope failures beyond physical damage, noting their potential to disrupt vital connections between urban and rural areas, interrupt logistics, escalate operational costs, and erode public confidence in infrastructure quality. Addressing the International Conference on Slope 2026 (ICOS 2026), he advocated for policy priorities centered on preventive investment and data-driven interventions, focusing on service resilience, cost efficiency, and governance.

Nanta stressed the importance of maintaining functional infrastructure, especially road networks, during extreme weather, emphasizing that preventive measures are more cost-effective than post-failure repairs. He also noted the necessity for coordinated management and clear governance frameworks involving multiple parties in addressing slope-related challenges.

The minister acknowledged ICOS 2026 as a valuable platform for developing slope management action plans, enhancing early warning systems, and introducing innovative solutions for operational challenges. Expressing gratitude to international experts at the conference, Nanta underscored the significance of global expertise and shared insights in tackling slope management issues amid climate uncertainties.