KUALA LUMPUR — A viral photo of United States President Donald Trump’s motorcade cruising along a Malaysian highway has become a symbol of national pride, with Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi saying it underscores Malaysia’s global reputation for top-tier infrastructure.
Speaking at the Malaysian Road Maintenance Convention (MRMC) 2025 and MY-Asean Roads & Traffic Tech Expo (My-ARTTE) 2025 in Kuala Lumpur today, Nanta said the image — posted by Trump’s press secretary during the 47th Asean Summit — drew worldwide attention for the smoothness and cleanliness of Malaysia’s highways.
“That simple post, viewed by millions globally, reminded the world and ourselves that Malaysia has built something exceptional,” he said.
“It reminded us that our hard work, innovation and discipline in infrastructure development have not gone unnoticed internationally.”
Nanta added that the image should inspire Malaysians to “reimagine, reform and reinforce” national road maintenance standards, describing infrastructure upkeep as a matter of “national dignity, safety and future readiness.”
Malaysia’s road network now stretches over 260,000 kilometres, he said, crediting decades of collaboration between the Public Works Department (JKR), the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM), and private concessionaires.
The minister also highlighted the MyJalan app, which enables citizens to report road issues directly to authorities.
Since its launch, Nanta said, tens of thousands of cases have been resolved through public participation.
“MyJalan symbolises a culture of shared responsibility — a belief that road maintenance is not just the duty of government agencies but a collective national effort,” he said. — November 3, 2025