ONE of the many issues of public concern is how to develop a strong maintenance culture in Malaysia in the interest of public safety and convenience.

Malaysia is known as a country which prides itself on First World infrastructure but not in terms of its maintenance of these amenities.

Defects and breakdowns in new government buildings and infrastructure are still fresh in our minds. Problems of such nature are embarrassing and far too serious to be ignored. These unpleasant occurrences are a reflection of a malaise manifested in inferior quality work, poor execution, inept management, poor maintenance and lack of ethics.

What is at stake is not only the question of ethics but also the issue of safety and health at work.

The occurrence of collapsing structures in buildings is an issue affecting health and safety at work which must not be overlooked.

All workplaces, whether private or government, with more than 40 employees are required under the the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 to establish safety and health committees at the workplace to discuss and implement accident prevention or OSH programmes at the workplace.

It is time for everyone to curb the Malaysian malaise of inferior quality work, poor execution, inept management and poor maintenance.

The comment that Malaysia is a country “having First World infrastructure but Third World Mentality” is very true when it comes to maintenance.

Maintenance and service has never been the country’s forte. We are good at providing state-of-the-art buildings and equipment but when it comes to maintaining them and making them function properly we have many shortcomings.

Poor maintenance of public buildings and infrastructure can lead to accidents and injuries.

Public toilets that are not properly maintained inconvenience the public. Poorly maintained playgrounds can also result in accidents and injuries. Roads and drains that are not properly maintained can also cause flash floods.

All authorities and every Malaysian must imbibe a strong maintenance culture and make it a way of life.

Improving a country’s image is not only the responsibility of the government but also of each citizen who must be civic-minded.

Despite Malaysia’s economic success, we have not succeeded in developing a civic-minded society. Indiscriminate throwing of litter is still very common despite public campaigns against littering. There are still many inconsiderate drivers on our roads.

Let it not be said that Malaysians work hard to pursue wealth and status but lose sight of their civic obligations.

TAN SRI LEE LAM THYE for National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health

Source: NST – November 18, 2008