KKR TO ADOPT SPECIALTY MIX PAVING TECHNOLOGY IN 2025 - AHMAD

IPOH, Dec 3 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Works (KKR) will adopt a specialty mix paving technology for road maintenance works in 2025. 

Deputy Minister of Works, Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan, said the measure is to enhance structural durability, extend road lifespan, and address road damage issues, particularly in areas frequented by heavy vehicles.

He explained that the decision was approved during the National Development Action Council meeting chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

"The Prime Minister has urged for immediate implementation of this technology (specialty mix). We can also reduce costs if it is applied on a large scale.

"From next year onward, all road maintenance projects will adopt a policy of using 50 percent specialty mix, while the remainder will use the existing methods," he said during a press conference after a working visit to the K2 Bitumen Sdn Bhd factory today.

Ahmad explained that the specialty mix paving technology incorporates additives into the base asphalt mixture of bitumen and cement aggregate, to strengthen the asphalt blend.

"The government allocates billions of ringgit annually for road maintenance, so it would be ideal to implement this promptly, especially after years of studying its application.

"It’s not new, as trials began six years ago. It’s time to expedite this for execution next year, enabling us to address issues like potholes, cracks, and other road damages," he stated.

Currently, Malaysia uses eight types of specialty mix paving materials: Super Fibre Mix, Stone Mastic Asphalt, Cuplump Modified Asphalt, Polymer Modified Asphalt, Latex Modified Asphalt, Crumb Rubber Modified Asphalt, Fibre Modified Asphalt, and MR6-Plastic.

-- BERNAMA