BASEd on media reports and public comments, it appears that the poor maintenance of infrastructures such as roads, drainage systems and public amenities has become a perennial problem to all.
Malaysia is known as a country which prides itself in providing first class infrastructures but when it comes to maintenance, it tells a different story.
So, how do we inculcate a sound maintenance culture among local councils in the interest of public safety?
Poor maintenance of public amenities and infrastructures can lead to accidents and injuries.
Unclean public toilets are an eyesore and can endanger public health. Poorly maintained children’s playgrounds can cause serious injuries to our young ones.
Potholes left unattended could also endanger the lives of motorists. Failure to prune tree branches and leaves which obstruct road signages along our highways and trunk roads can cause traffic disruptions.
These unpleasant occurrences reflect our inferior work quality, inept management and lack of ethics.
It is time for all of us to play a part in ensuring quality maintenance work become part of our work culture.
Improving a country’s image is not only the responsibility of the government but also the duty of every civic-minded citizen.
Despite Malaysia’s success in economic development, we have not succeeded in developing a civic-minded society.
For example, indiscriminate littering is still common despite public campaigns on anti-littering.
Let us become a nation which not only strives for success but also a civic-minded society.
Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye,
Kuala Lumpur