Kuala lumpur: The government has announced an allocation of RM34.19 million for the installation of solar-powered LED streetlights at 362 selected locations on federal roads throughout the country. Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi highlighted that solar lights are ideal for areas that are far from the electricity grid, prone to cable theft or vandalism, as well as village and interior roads.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Nanta stated that the installation of solar-powered streetlights would be evaluated based on technical suitability, cost-effectiveness, maintenance requirements, and the advantages of green technology. This statement was made during a question-and-answer session at the Dewan Negara, in response to Senator Datuk Anna Bell @ Suzieana Perian's inquiry about prioritizing solar streetlights in rural and interior areas, especially in Sabah and Sarawak.
However, Nanta noted that replacing damaged conventional LED streetlights in regions with existing electricity supply remains more economical. This is due to the higher cost of solar streetlights, with the battery component making up about 60 percent of the total price of the lighting equipment.
Additionally, in response to a supplementary question from Senator Datuk Seri Mohamad Zaini Salleh regarding streetlight installation from the Genting Sempah Tunnel to the Karak Toll Plaza, Nanta confirmed that 297 units of solar-powered LED streetlights would be installed along the Kuala Lumpur-Karak Expressway (KLK). This installation is slated for completion by the end of the year, covering various locations between Bentong Timur, Karak, and Kampung Sungai Dua.
Nanta also mentioned that streetlights would be installed along a 26-kilometer stretch from the area after the Genting Sempah Tunnel to the Mempaga Intersection as part of the KLK widening project, which will be implemented in stages. Furthermore, 13 accident-prone locations on the KLK and the East Coast Expressway Phase 1 (LPT1) have been identified for improvements, including crash barriers, pavement rehabilitation, and road safety furniture enhancements.
Initial monitoring indicated that some improved locations have seen accident reductions of up to 100 percent compared to the same period last year. Addressing Mohamad Zaini's original question on increasing capacity, safety, and traffic flow at KLK, Nanta reported that the widening project from KM19.2 at the Gombak Toll Plaza to KM64.5 at the Mempaga Intersection had achieved 6.4 percent progress as of July 25, with completion expected in 2030. This project, commenced last March by AFA PRIME Berhad, aims to bolster road capacity and alleviate congestion, particularly during festive seasons, public holidays, and weekends.