As Malaysia pushes forward with major transport projects like MRT3, experts stress that public safety must be a top priority throughout all stages of infrastructure development — from design to maintenance.

They warn that neglecting safety early on can lead to serious consequences and loss of public trust. Calls have been made to embed global safety standards, conduct regular risk assessments, and invest in preventive maintenance.

Experts also suggest creating a dedicated infrastructure maintenance fund, recommending 2.5% of Malaysia’s GDP be allocated annually. The reminder comes amid past infrastructure failures, highlighting the urgent need for safety-focused planning and upkeep.