We need to reinforce quality regulation within Malaysia's construction industry.

Amidst continuously rising property prices and rapid technological advancements, homebuyers are becoming increasingly concerned about the declining quality of homes. Despite investing a lifetime of savings and dedicating years to repayments, they find themselves questioning the root of this problem.

Advancements in technology should lead to higher standards in the construction of houses. A home, as a place of shelter, should not merely boast beautiful tiles and modern decorations with high-tech appliances. It should prioritize the safety and security of our loved ones, offering protection from the elements and ensuring generations of peaceful living.

The recent airing of "INNOVATHON" on ASTRO triggered deep contemplation on this issue. One team, MYCRS, focused on researching and addressing substandard construction practices. Their findings shed light on how some contractors manipulate the quality inspection of concrete during construction, resulting in fatal defects in the final product – our homes.

As responsible individuals, we must ask ourselves if we are willing to expose our families to uncertain structural integrity. Can we trust that our homes will stand strong during earthquakes, floods, or emergencies? These concerns lead me to wonder if the house I purchased truly lives up to the developer's claims of solidity and security or if it conceals flaws, as alleged by the MYCRS team.

The gravity of manipulated cement inspections is significant, and other countries like Hong Kong and Singapore have already adopted Malaysia's system to prevent such malpractices. Millions of foreign residents are safeguarded by this Malaysian-developed system, yet it remains puzzling why the Malaysian government has not prioritized its application to protect its own citizens.

Moreover, Malaysia's international corruption perception index has been on a decline, with the construction industry listed as one of the most corrupt sectors by Transparency International. It raises doubts about whether our construction personnel and monitoring systems are genuinely more honest and reliable than those in Hong Kong or Singapore. Can we confidently claim that Malaysia's construction industry is transparent and clean enough to forego further quality monitoring?

This situation demands a wake-up call. Our ministers, prime minister, deputy prime minister, and other leaders must tackle the issues at hand. We need to ensure that our buildings and national infrastructure are managed with transparency and accountability, assuring people the confidence to invest their life savings and provide secure homes for their families.

If this technology can protect foreign citizens, there's no reason why it cannot safeguard our fellow Malaysians as well. It is time to take action and leverage this local innovation for the betterment of our society.