Works Minister, YB Dato’ Shaziman b Hj Abu Mansor, is scheduled to launch the ministry’s Polymer Modified Asphaltic Concrete (PMA) policy for road projects and maintenance on 21 June 2010 at Padang Teras, Bentong. The RM1.94 million policy implementation is expected to cover FT08, Jln Bentong – Raub, Seksyen 7.635 - 10.00, FT02, Jln Karak - Temerloh, Seksyen 185.10 - 186.58 and FT68, Jln Bentong - KL, Seksyen 72.230 - 72.83. This event signifies the Ministry of Works emphasis on innovation and continuos improvement by bringing new technology and change to improve the quality of life of the people.

PMA is used to improve the quality of pavement. Asphalt cement is the “glue” that holds a hot mix asphalt (HMA) pavement together. Polymer modification has been increasingly employed in asphalt concrete, primarily to prevent rutting from taking place.

The PMA may also improve the aging characteristics of a binder so that the deleterious impact of oxidative aging is delayed, leading to a more durable and stable pavement. Better adhesion helps to minimize draindown at the time of construction and also helps to reduce the tendency of the pavement to ravel once it has aged.

Roadcare (M) Sdn Bhd has been entrusted by its client, Malaysia’s Public Works Department (JKR) to carry out the policy, thus enhancing its reputation as a main contractor for road maintenance. Design mix and testing is undertaken by Kumpulan Ikram Sdn Bhd while the material is supplied by Swee Quarry.

After two years of monitoring, JKR hopes to confirm the suitability of the technique locally, as it has been successfully and widely used world wide and in neighbouring countries such as Singapore and Thailand.