Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi (Right) said the Ministry has outlined three strategic priorities to guide national road maintenance over the next decade, aiming to build a modern and technology-driven ecosystem supported by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and real-time data. — STR/HARI ANGGARA.
KUALA LUMPUR: The Works Ministry has outlined three strategic priorities to guide national road maintenance over the next decade, aiming to build a modern and technology-driven ecosystem supported by artificial intelligence (AI) and real-time data.
Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said the three focus areas were Digital Integration through the use of AI and data analytics; Sustainable Engineering through the application of greener construction technologies and materials; and Collaborative Innovation to enhance nationwide road infrastructure resilience.
“These three priorities support the acceleration of the National Intelligent Transport System (ITS) Blueprint 2030, which focuses on smart technology adoption, real-time monitoring and AI-based maintenance solutions to ensure our infrastructure network remains safe, efficient and future-ready,” he said.
“Technology is no longer just a convenience; it is now the foundation of resilience, enabling us to detect weaknesses before failures occur, manage assets before they deteriorate, and plan infrastructure that adapts to future needs.”
Nanta was speaking when launching the Malaysia Road Maintenance Congress (MRMC) 2025 held in conjunction with the MY-Asean Roads & Traffic Tech Expo (My-ARTTE) 2025 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), here, today.
He said the renewed policy direction comes at a crucial time, as many existing highway and road concession agreements will expire early next year.
“In the renewed concession terms, we will introduce mandatory external auditing for road maintenance works. This means concessionaires will no longer rely solely on internal audits conducted by the companies themselves or the Public Works Department,” he said.
Nanta said the external audit requirement would allow for independent quality checks to ensure all works were completed to the highest safety and performance standards.
“This will improve accountability, ensure transparency and strengthen public trust in the maintenance ecosystem,” he said.
He added that strengthening maintenance standards was vital as roads naturally age, and neglecting upkeep risks accelerating damage and compromising public safety.
Meanwhile, Nanta said Malaysia recently received international recognition for its road maintenance standards at a global Road Engineering Conference in Seoul, South Korea.
“The recognition reflects Malaysia’s commitment to maintaining and upgrading our road networks in line with global best practices. It also shows that our efforts are being seen and acknowledged internationally,” he said.
Malaysia manages more than 260,000 kilometres of roads, regarded among the best-maintained infrastructure networks in the region.
“Our strength is not only in the roads we have built, but in our readiness to innovate, our discipline to maintain, and our determination to lead the industry,” he said.
The My-ARTTE 2025 expo features the latest advancements in road construction and maintenance technologies, traffic management systems, and modern engineering solutions, with participation from nearly 500 professionals, including delegates from Thailand, the Philippines, South Korea, Germany and other regional partners.
