Malaysians Must Inculcate Culture Of Strong Maintenance: Lam Thye

2009/11/15

All authorities and every Malaysian must inculcate the culture of strong maintenance and make it a way of life, says National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (Niosh) chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.

He said Malaysia was good at providing state-of-the-art buildings and equipment but when it came to maintaining them and making them function properly, "we have many shortcomings and weaknesses".

As such, he said, the comment that Malaysia was a case of a country "having "First World infrastructure but Third World mentality" was very true when it came to the practice of maintenance and safety. Lee said the time had come for the emergence of a new era which gave emphasis to the development of a strong maintenance and safety culture.

"I suggest that another major task force be set up under the (Prime Minister Datuk Seri) Najib (Tun Razak) administration to put an end to the Malaysian malaise of inferior quality work, poor supervision and maintenance, with the participation of all stakeholders," he said in a statement here today.

According to Lee, poor maintenance of public buildings and infrastructure could lead to accidents and fatalities. "What is also at stake is not only the question of ethics but also the issue of safety and health at work.

"The occurrence of collapsing structure in buildings is an issue affecting health and safety at work, which must not be overlooked," he said. -- BERNAMA