Johor Public Works Department (JKR) will study glow-in-the-dark paint for road markings and set a statewide standard to be used starting next year.
State works, transportation and infrastructure committee chairman Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh said the study would include district offices before it is sent for approval.
In Johor Budget 2024, he said, Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi had allocated RM1mil for JKR to upgrade roads using light reflection innovation in areas that were accident-prone and without proper lighting.
“JKR sent the list of potential places to the State Economic Planning Unit (BPEN) for us to finalise and decide the roads to prioritise because the RM1mil fund is just the first phase,” he said when contacted.
Mohamad Fazli said the glow-in-the-dark technology had variations with some road lines glowing for a duration of between six and 12 hours.
“Each variation has its own price tag, so I have requested JKR to study the best standard to be used,” he said.
Mohamad Fazli added that currently, the first glow-in-the-dark road markings in Johor was a 200m stretch of Jalan Masai on Jambatan Sungai Masai costing RM10,000.
“Another location is at Jalan Sungai Lalang in Semenyih, Selangor.
“Since the paint factory producing the paint is located in Bukit Pasir, Muar, I hope we can find ways to expand this throughout Johor.
“Priority will be given to roads in dark areas, those with dangerous corners and on rural roads connecting to towns.”
He added that the light could be generated by the morning sun or reflected from vehicle light.
“So it is a perfect option for roads where we can’t place lamp posts,” he said.
Mohamad Fazli also said state government had allocated another RM2mil to place more solar lights and amber lights in rural areas.
“Compared to traditional lamps, each solar lamp is more modular and easier to instal, because it does not require any wiring.
“The light emitted is also brighter.
“We can replace 20 traditional lamp posts with only five solar lamp posts.”
He said 200 solar lights had been placed all over Johor in 2023 and next year another 200 lights would be installed in selected rural areas.