By: Aida Aziz
IPOH: Perak is among the first states in Malaysia selected to implement a pioneering road resurfacing project using modified asphalt technology called Cuplump Modified Asphalt (CMA).
The Mayor of Ipoh, Dato’ Rumaizi Baharin, stated that the project would commence in mid-October through an allocation of RM5 million to the Ipoh City Council (MBI).
He explained that the innovative technology was introduced by the Malaysian Rubber Board (LGM), with funding provided by the Ministry of Finance (MOF).
“The selection of pilot projects for local authorities is in collaboration with Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), which will be carried out simultaneously starting in mid-October and is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
“We (MBI) received the highest allocation because we are one of the low-carbon cities,” he said.
He made this statement during a press conference after chairing the Full Council Meeting for September, held here on Friday.
Moreover, he mentioned that road repairs and resurfacing, covering a distance of 9.5 kilometres, would include parts of the Tasek industrial area, the IGB industrial area, Bendahara Street, and the main road at Station 18.
“We selected these areas because there were many complaints from road users about the poor condition of these roads, especially in the industrial area.
“Following discussions with LGM and MOF, if this project proves successful, it will be continued next year with a larger allocation, and expanded to other areas in the city,” he added.
CMA is a method for resurfacing roads using bitumen mixed with modified rubber as an asphalt mixture to enhance the quality of road surfaces.
It can reduce cracking, and rutting effects, and prolong the lifespan of road surfaces.
The rubber-modified mixture produces asphalt that is more resilient to heavy traffic loads, making it suitable for industrial areas and major roads.
Furthermore, it can reduce long-term maintenance costs compared to conventional resurfacing methods used in the past.
