IPOH: 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.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the decision was approved during the National Development Action Council meeting chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Ahmad Maslan noted that the Prime Minister has urged for the immediate implementation of this technology, highlighting the potential cost reductions if applied on a large scale. Starting next year, all road maintenance projects will follow a policy where 50 percent of the work will utilize the specialty mix, while the rest will use existing methods.

Ahmad further elaborated that the specialty mix paving technology incorporates additives into the base asphalt mixture of bitumen and cement aggregate to strengthen the asphalt
blend. He emphasized the significant annual government expenditure on road maintenance and the need to implement this technology promptly, following years of research and trials that began six years ago.

The aim is to expedite the adoption of this technology by next year to effectively address issues like potholes, cracks, and other road damages. Currently, Malaysia employs eight types of specialty mix paving materials, including 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.