Calls To Upgrade East-West Highway With Smart Tech

First constructed in 1967 based on an idea by Malaysia’s first Prime Minister, the late Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, the East-West Highway (JRTB) took nearly 15 years to complete, relying on the engineering expertise and design concepts of that era.

 Now more than four decades since its opening on July 1, 1982, the highway connecting Gerik in Perak to Jeli in Kelantan stands as a major milestone for the Public Works Department (JKR). Built entirely in-house, the project marked a significant achievement for the department, which had limited experience handling highway projects of such scale at the time.

Traversing the Bintang and Titiwangsa mountain ranges, the highway features sharp bends, narrow lanes, and steep gradients—conditions that present ongoing challenges for motorists. Fatal accidents are reported annually along this stretch.

However, the tragic crash on June 6, which claimed the lives of 15 young individuals returning to Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) in Tanjung Malim, Perak, has reignited calls from various quarters for urgent upgrades and safety improvements to the JRTB.

OUTDATED DESIGN

Associate Professor Ts Ng Choy Peng noted that the highway’s structure and design no longer meet current road safety standards. Originally built in the 1970s to accommodate low traffic volumes, the existing infrastructure is now inadequate for the increasing weight and volume of modern vehicles.

The civil engineering lecturer from Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM) recommends a comprehensive review of the JRTB’s design—taking into account natural wear and tear, the rising number of heavy vehicles, and evolving user needs.

Vehicles traveling along the East-West Highway (JRTB) were dark and quiet due to a lack of street lights during a recent Bernama survey.

 “Vehicle numbers and load capacities have increased significantly, and the original design—now over five decades old—can no longer meet current demands.

  “Additionally, where appropriate, extra lanes should be built or existing ones widened to reduce stress on the original road structure,” he told Bernama.

He also recommended building additional rest and recreation (R&R) areas at strategic points, noting that currently, only one exists along the route — R&R Titiwangsa.

COMBINING TECHNOLOGY WITH INFRASTRUCTURE

Meanwhile, Associate Professor Dr Nur Izzi Md Yusoff, a senior lecturer at the Department of Civil Engineering, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, said that technology—such as early weather warning systems and smart navigation—can play a key role in reducing accident risks along the JRTB.

“Early warning systems can alert drivers to heavy rain, dense fog, landslides, or slippery road conditions, enabling them to adjust their speed and driving behaviour accordingly.

The vehicle involved in the accident was stranded on the shoulder of the East-West Highway (JRTB).

“Smart navigation systems that integrate traffic and road condition data can suggest alternative routes or give early alerts about sharp bends and steep slopes,” he said.

He cited Arthur’s Pass in New Zealand and the Blue Ridge Parkway in the United States as examples of similarly mountainous and forested routes where accident rates have been significantly reduced through well-planned safety interventions.

 “Arthur’s Pass is equipped with real-time landslide and weather alerts, safety mirrors at blind corners, and reinforced guardrails along steep slopes. The Blue Ridge Parkway promotes active driver awareness through informational signage and interactive navigation apps that highlight high-risk areas.

 “Both countries also enforce lower speed limits, conduct regular patrols, and maintain roads consistently. This integrated approach involving technology, engineering, and education could serve as a model for improving safety on the JRTB route,” he added.

Echoing similar views, Associate Professor Dr Law Teik Hua, Head of the Road Safety Research Centre at Universiti Putra Malaysia, said Malaysia could adopt technologies used in countries such as Switzerland, Japan, and Norway.

“For example, the fog detection system in the Swiss Alps automatically detects fog on roads and highways, reducing accident rates by up to 30 per cent.

“When dense fog is detected, warnings are displayed on electronic signboards, speed limits are lowered, and drivers are alerted through apps or navigation systems,” he said, adding that Malaysia’s existing navigation infrastructure could be upgraded to support such features.

He also highlighted that alternate tunnels for heavy vehicles could help ease congestion and reduce risks on main roads.

 “In Japan, the Iroha-Zaka road across the Nikko mountain range faces similar challenges. Authorities have installed large convex mirrors at hazardous bends, rumble strips, and automatic warning lights.

“This combination of physical and technological interventions has reduced accidents by 35 per cent since 2015, demonstrating the effectiveness of integrating infrastructure with warning systems,” he said.

Law also pointed to Norway’s Trollstigen mountain road — known for its steep gradients and sharp   curves — which was cleverly built in an "S" shape   to naturally force drivers to slow down.

Safety features there include advanced drainage systems to prevent slippery surfaces and transparent guardrails for better visibility.

“As a result, the road averages only two serious accidents per year. Norway’s experience proves that smart road design and quality maintenance can lead to major safety improvements,” he said.

JRTB MUST BE PRIORITISED

Previously, Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said that RM55 million has been allocated this year to upgrade the JRTB, including the installation of 385 street lights and new road markings.

He said the ministry has identified severely damaged roads using its database and prioritised repair works accordingly.

The condition of the JRTB, which does not have clear white lines at dangerous bends in several locations during a recent Bernama survey.

Nanta also said that road condition evaluations were carried out using the Pavement Condition Assessment (PCA) method to identify areas needing immediate attention.

Commenting on the planned government initiatives, Nur Izzi recommended several engineering upgrades, including improved drainage systems, guardrails along steep slopes, enhanced lighting in high-risk zones, and resurfacing roads with high-performance, weather-resistant materials.

 “Additionally, electronic weather warning systems, sharp bend signage, and designated slow zones in high-risk areas could further improve safety.

“From a safety standpoint, regular road safety audits should also be conducted to identify and eliminate potential hazards,” he said.