In a way, the figure being bandied about will gradually reduce with time as the early impetus towards proper maintenance begins to repay itself through much lower repair and remedial costs for ageing or damaged public infrastructure and related facilities.
In comparison, the figure currently discussed is still far higher than that of a typical low-income, developing country, which often requires a much higher benchmark of 3.6%. This distinction stems from the notion that as an emerging developed nation, Malaysia enjoys a stronger position in terms of the quality of its structures, thus necessitating a comparatively reduced amount for regularised maintenance.
These figures are derived from analyses by the World Bank and the European Conference of Ministers of Transport (ECMT), both underscoring the importance of adequate maintenance funding to ensure infrastructure sustainability.
Our highways are a prime example of this principle in action, where concessionaires are compelled to allocate substantial amounts to preserve the longevity and quality of their stretches for continuous use. The same thinking applies to the Klang Valley transit system, where frequent breakdowns could have been reduced or even prevented with consistent preventive maintenance.
The Maintenance Culture
Malaysia has long thrived on construction — building new roads, bridges, and facilities — often allocating huge sums for development projects. However, maintenance is typically considered only after construction and active use. As such, it is not surprising to see maintenance budgets sidelined in favour of more visible, immediate projects.
This mindset persists because the benefits of new construction are tangible; they can be seen, used, and monetised through fees or tolls. Public infrastructure, on the other hand, rarely generates direct revenue from users, making preventive maintenance harder to justify politically or financially.
Yet, the neglect of regular, scheduled maintenance can have serious repercussions — not only for the infrastructure itself and its users but also for the broader economy. Degradation often leads to unsafe conditions, accelerates wear and tear, and ultimately results in more extensive and expensive remedial works.
In the worst cases, such neglect can even cost lives or lead to the destruction of property — stark reminders of why maintenance must never be treated as an afterthought but as an integral part of sustainable national development.