Federal Highway green lane: JKR runs skid tests as road users call for full study

KUALA LUMPUR: The Public Works Department (JKR) is carrying out wet and dry skid tests on the green motorcycle lane of the Federal Highway heading towards Klang, after videos of several motorcyclists losing control on the stretch went viral on social media.

Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said the coloured surface on the motorcycle lane was designed and laid as an anti-skid finish in line with work specifications.

He said many other factors could contribute to accidents besides the condition of the road surface, including pavement condition, speed and traffic congestion, according to a report by the RTM news portal.

What is being examined

Sinar Harian reported that JKR is also looking at the surface's grip when wet, the state of the pavement, possible oil or diesel contamination and the quality of the work.

While the investigation is under way, JKR has temporarily patched damaged sections of the pavement and put up signs warning riders to slow down.

The results of the investigation and the skid tests have not been released, and no date has been given for when they will be made public.

Road users want a full study

Several road users interviewed by Sinar Harian want JKR to carry out a comprehensive study before any fix is put in place.

Private sector employee Munira Awang Ahmad, 48, said the government, particularly JKR, needed to look closely at the condition of the lane and the factors that could lead to such incidents.

Another road user, Osman Yeop, 45, urged JKR to take into account riders' real experience, especially in the rain, and to assess the materials and construction methods used.

The viral footage so far only shows riders losing control on the lane. It does not prove that the paint or surface finish was the cause, and a technical explanation can only be given once JKR's test results are known.