REAM holds Technical Talk in Kuching
A Technical Talk was successfully held in Kuching, Sarawak on 2 December 2023 in collaboration with Maltimur Resources Sdn Bhd, Public Works Departments of Sarawak and the Institution of Engineers Malaysia, Sarawak Branch.
A Technical Talk was successfully held in Kuching, Sarawak on 2 December 2023 in collaboration with Maltimur Resources Sdn Bhd, Public Works Departments of Sarawak and the Institution of Engineers Malaysia, Sarawak Branch. The participants were offered two (2) CPD hours by the Institution of Engineers Malaysia.
The President of REAM Datuk Ir. Ahmad Redza bin Ghulam Rasool in his welcoming address touched on, among others the objective of hosting this event in Kuching which was to engage with Sarawak’s road and transport professionals and to promote the activities of REAM and membership besides providing current updates on the topics that will be presented by respective speakers.
The first paper on the updates of Sarawak Pan Borneo Highway was delivered by the Senior Principal Assistant Director of the Public Works Department, Sarawak, Ir. Ts. Awang Mohd. Fadillah Awang Redzuan.
The second paper focussing on Performance – Based Analysis for Slope Stability was presented by the Project Director of Sabah Sarawak Link Road (SSLR).
The event concluded with a presentation related to REAM and the advantages of REAM membership by REAM Council Member, Dr. Azwan Ezzany Azmi, who is also the Chairman of the Talent Pool Committee.
A number of participants immediately signed up for membership while the rest took away the membership forms promising to forward them duly completed online.
Malaysians head to Prague for the 27th World Road Congress
Biggest Delegation To Date
A total of 104 participants which included spouses and adult children travelled to Prague, Czech Republic in conjunction with the 5-day 27th edition of the World Road Congress commencing 2 October 2023. This sizeable delegation led by the Minster of Works YB Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi was the largest organised to date by REAM. There were many more late entrants but they had to be declined due to constraints in securing flight seats and accommodation.
Some 68 participants registered for the congress which included two speakers whose papers were accepted for presentation.
REAM coordinated the hosting of the Malaysia Pavilion showcasing road infrastructure development and the related products and services provided by the participating 26 pavilion partner companies (See accompanying report).
Having arrived in Prague in late afternoon on 30 September, the delegation had a free day on 1 October for a technical study tour. Prague (Praha), the capital of the Czech Republic, located at the heart of Europe is one of the continent’s finest cities and the major Czech economic and cultural centre. The city has a rich architectural heritage that reflects both the currents of Bohemian history and an urban life over more than 1,000 years.
Some delegates took time to visit Český Krumlov located in the South Bohemia region of the republic some two hours away from Prague. This quint old town is bisected by the Vitava River and dominated by its 13th century castle.
Following the conclusion of the congress, the participants were taken on a post-congress overland 2-night, 3-day technical study tour to Salzburg and Hallstatt in Austria en route to Munich, Germany.
Salzburg close to the German border came into international prominence after the release of the box-office musical hit Sound of Music. It is also the birthplace of the famed composer Mozart. The delegation spent a night in this iconic city.
The following morning, the 3-coach load participants proceeded to Hallstatt, a picture-postcard village on Lake Hallstatt's western shore in Austria's mountainous Salzkammergut region. For centuries until today, salt is still mined in its caves. The 16th century Alpine houses and alleyways are home to cafes and shops.
Late afternoon saw the delegation heading to Munich, Germany for an overnight stay. The next day on 8 October was spent taking in the sights and sounds of the once capital city, home to centuries-old buildings and numerous museums. The delegation checked in to the airport in the late evening for the flight back home.
Of interest, this time around, REAM had planned technical study tours to iconic townships with picturesque sceneries away from the frequented major cities, the exception being Munich which facilitated the delegation’s return flight
Heritage design kindles visitor interest
REAM hosts the Malaysia Pavilion in Prague
REAM has once again gained spirited support from captains of road-related corporate companies to partner with its aspirations to host a Malaysia Pavilion at the 27th World Road Congress in Prague, Czech Republic from 2 to 5 October 2023. The Malaysia Pavilion was officially declared open by the Minister of Works YB Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi in the late afternoon of 2 October.
The following 26 companies responded to REAM’s clarion call for partnerships to showcase to worldwide visitors Malaysia’s road infrastructure development and the capabilities of Malaysian entrepreneurs in providing related products and services:
Diamond Partners
Roadcare (M) Sdn Bhd
THB Maintenance Sdn Bhd
Platinum Partners
PLUS Malaysia Berhad
Ekovest Berhad
Belati Wangsa (M) Sdn Bhd
Maltimur Resources / Rafulin
Pintas Utama Sdn Bhd
Selia Group
AHN Vertex Sdn Bhd
Perunding Irzi Sdn Bhd
Gold Partners
K2 Bitumen Sdn Bhd
System Builders Maintenance Services Sdn Bhd
BBR Construction Systems (M) Sdn Bhd
Dura Technology Sdn Bhd
Casa Hartamas Sdn Bhd
Saraworks Sdn Bhd
Hexatrend Sdn Bhd
Silver Partners
Cergas Murni Sdn Bhd
Stare Engineering
MCS Management Sdn Bhd
Novapave Sdn Bhd
Bronze Partners
ICP Piles
Advanced Stabilization Technologies Resources PLT
Cahya Mata Sarawak
Aktif Unggul Sdn Bhd
MyArch Group
There were more requests for partnership opportunities but they had to be declined due to the pavilion’s space constraints for displays
Over and above the enlightening pictorial displays by the participating partners exposing Malaysia’s engineering prowess, which caught the immediate attention and interest of visitors was the pavilion’s unique design encompassing Malaysia’s heritage, in particular the state of Kelantan’s traditional art. The Malaysia Pavilion stood out amidst other modern pavilion structures.
REAM has been actively participating in the past World Road Congresses by way of sizeable delegations and hosting of pavilions following Malaysia’s successful hosting of the 21st edition of this quadrennial event in Kuala Lumpur in 1999.
The pavilion designs were invariably based on the cultural artistry unique to the Malaysian states. Since the 23rd edition in 2007 in Paris, followed by the 24th in Mexico in 2011, the 25th series in Seoul in 2015 and the 26th in Abu Dhabi in 2019, the Malaysia pavilion designs embraced the cultural and traditional tapestry of the states of Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Terengganu and Sarawak respectively.
REAAA celebrates its 50th Anniversary in Labuan Bajo
The Road Engineering Association of Asia & Australasia (REAAA) established in 1973 celebrated its 50th anniversary in Labuan Bajo, Indonesia commencing 24 to 27 August 2023.
The 4-day event included Council and Committee meetings, a 2-day enlightening Conference on Advance Technology Implementation Towards Sustainable Road Development
The Road Engineering Association of Asia & Australasia (REAAA) established in 1973 celebrated its 50th anniversary in Labuan Bajo, Indonesia commencing 24 to 27 August 2023.
The 4-day event included Council and Committee meetings, a 2-day enlightening Conference on Advance Technology Implementation Towards Sustainable Road Development, technical and social visits with the programme culminating in a Gala Dinner where the members of the REAAA Chapter countries entertained the evening’s guests with their respective colourful song and dance routines.
REAM, formerly known as the REAAA (Malaysian Chapter) organised a delegation, with the main group departing on 24 August, to share this joyous occasion with fellow chapter members. Due to constraints in securing airline seats with acceptable connectivity to and suitable accommodation in Labuan Bajo, many aspiring registrants had to be denied participation.
Labuan Bajo, located in the Nusa Tenggara region’s Flores Island was once a quiet fishing village where time appeared to have stood still. Today it is a bustling tourist destination as the gateway to the Komodo National Park where colonies of Komodo dragons, the world’s largest predator lizards thrive. Touted as yet another Bali of Indonesia, the township is currently seeing development, thus the constraints mentioned above.
Be that as it may, REAM managed to secure travel arrangements and accommodation for 42 members who actively participated in the meetings, the conference, technical visit and the gala dinner. REAM members’ performance at the gala dinner received thunderous applause from the guests.
It has been the norm for REAM to host an appreciation dinner for all participants. This dinner was hosted at the seafood restaurant Taman Laut Handayani.
REAM also organised an adventurous visit to Rinca Island some 30-minute speedboat ride from Labuan Bajo to view the apex predators Komodo dragons in their natural habitat. Accompanied by trained rangers, the participants were fortunate to have been able sight a number of these lizards whose bites result in slow death both to their prey and humans. The group also ventured to the island’s highest hill to take in the panoramic view of the surroundings. The day trip ended with a visit to the Labuan Bajo township and its suburbs.
The REAM delegation returned to Kuala Lumpur on 28 August.
REAM President conferred the title Dato’ Seri
REAM President Dato’ Seri Ir. Haji Mohamad Zulkefly bin Sulaiman was recently conferred the Darjah Gemilang Pangkuan Negeri (D.G.P.N) carrying the title Dato’ Seri by the Yang Di-Pertua Negeri Pulau Pinang.
Prior to this conferment, the REAM President was bestowed with Panglima Jasa Negara (P.J.N) carrying the title Datuk by Duli Yang Maha Mulia Seri Paduka Baginda Yang Dipertuan Agong and Ahli Yang Kedua (Dato Paduka) Bagi Darjah Kebesaran Mahkota Kelantan Yang Amat Mulia (D.P.M.K) carrying the title Dato’ by Duli Yang Maha Mulia Sultan dan Yang Dipertuan bagi Negeri Kelantan Darulnaim.
Heartiest Congratulations
YBhg. Dato’ Seri Ir. Haji Mohamad Zulkefly bin Sulaiman
D.G.P.N., P.J.N., D.P.M.K.
President
Road Engineering Association of Malaysia
on being conferred the
Darjah Gemilang Pangkuan Negeri (D.G.P.N.)
carrying the title Dato’ Seri
by
TYT Tun Dato’ Seri Utama Ahmad Fuzi bin Haji Abdul Razak
S.M.N., P.S.M., D.U.P.N., S.P.D.K., D.S.L.J.(Brunei), D.M.P.N., D.S.P.N., J.S.M., A.M.N.
Yang Di-Pertua Negeri Pulau Pinang
on the occasion of His Excellency’s 73rd birthday.
This timely honour is a standing testimony not only to your contribution to the Jabatan Kerja Raya Malaysia and this Association in particular and the nation in general but also to your professional and personal accomplishments. May this recognition be the forerunner of tomorrows achievements.
From:
Council Members, Members and Staff of
Road Engineering Association of Malaysia and
Colleagues in the Malaysian road engineering industry.
Report on technical visit to Bangkok, Thailand
REAM’s technical study delegation was hosted by the Department of Highways, Thailand (DOH) and Road Association of Thailand (RATh).
The REAM delegation led by the Director General of Public Works Department, Malaysia (PWD) and President of REAM Dato’ Seri Ir. Haji Mohamad Zulkefly bin Sulaiman, who was also the head of delegation included among others, senior officers from the Ministry of Works, Malaysia (MOW), PWD, Malaysian Highway Authority (MHA), Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB), Malaysian Rubber Board (MRB), road and maintenance concessionaires and road industry stakeholders comprising consultants, contractors and suppliers.
The delegation was welcomed by the hosts comprising the Director General of DOH Mr. Sarawut Songsivilai, the President of RATh Mr. Aram Kornsombut and their respective senior officers.
Objective
The main objective of this technical visit, among others, was towards sharing of knowledge and experiences related to the implementation of natural rubber modified asphalt in the development of road infrastructure and to pave the way for future collaboration, interaction and networking between the road engineering fraternity of Malaysia and Thailand.
Meeting and briefing sessions
The visit officially commenced with a meeting and briefing session on 4 July at the DOH head office attended by the REAM delegates and senior officers from DOH and RATh. Mr. Sarawut Songsivilai welcomed the REAM delegation on behalf of DOH and RATh. Dato’ Seri Ir. Haji Mohamad Zulkefly bin Sulaiman, responded by extending his appreciation to DOH and RATh for hosting the visit.
In continuing his address, Dato’ Seri Ir. Haji Mohamad Zulkefly bin Sulaiman highlighted PWD’s involvement in the use of alternative materials in road maintenance including natural rubber. He also touched on the performance and direction of technology and the application of rubber-based materials, especially in pavement engineering.
Dato’ Seri Ir. Haji Mohamad Zulkefly bin Sulaiman took the opportunity to propose an official Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between REAM and RATh to further cement the existing cooperation and collaboration among the road industry stakeholders in Thailand and Malaysia in the areas of road and transportation engineering.
The representatives from DOH and RATh explained that the use of additives in asphalt is to extend the pavement-lifespan with maintenance-free usage for some 10 years after construction. They added that particular attention is given to the volume of heavy vehicles that exceed the load limit, in addition to the use of new technologies that need to be balanced with the financial allocation available.
The presenters maintained that the main objective of using natural rubber as an asphalt additive in Thailand is to stimulate the price of rubber in an effort to assist local rubber planters. The use of natural rubber in the mix of asphalt materials is better in performance than conventional materials resulting in an increase in life cycle by 20% - 30%, albeit at a moderate level compared to other additives such as fibre and polymer. Having said that, the cost of asphalt modified with natural rubber is 30% higher than the conventional material and natural rubber as an organic material has less durability, compared to synthetic materials that have longer durability.
The Thai counterparts also highlighted several collaborative joint venture projects between Malaysia and Thailand namely the Friendship Bridge across the Golok River between Buketa and Bukit Bunga, the Second Golok River - Rantau Panjang bridge project, the bridge connecting Tak Bai with Kubor Base and the link project between Satun and Perlis.
Meeting/Briefing at DOH
Site visits
A Visit to the Traffic Control Centre (M-Flow)
Following the briefing and lunch, the delegation was taken on study tour to the free flow system (M-Flow) with a visit to the Traffic Control Center and the CCB Lab at Krabang Motorway.
The tour commenced with a briefing on the M-Flow system implemented in Thailand since February 2022 at several highway networks. In the briefing session, the Director General of Malaysian Highway Authority Dato' Ir. Mohd Shuhaimi bin Hassan touched on the proposal to initiate a similar system in Malaysia. The delegation was then taken on a tour of the Traffic Control Center and briefed on the role and functions of each section.
The implementation of the free flow system requires specific and in-depth studies and research to ensure the commissioned system functions without hitches resulting in the envisaged positive impact in reducing congestion on the highways.
Central Lab
This visit was held the following day on 5 July to get an insight on the conducting of tests related to the use of natural rubber in road construction technology.
The briefing by the officers centred on the technology, research output and performance of the materials used. As discussed during the meeting a day earlier, the resulting performance on usage of natural rubber in the mixture of asphalt materials is better than conventional materials but will be at a moderate level compared to other additives such as fibre and polymer.
The delegation then visited the material testing laboratory which is divided into two sections, namely the asphalt material testing laboratory and the mixture design preparation laboratory. It was noted that the equipment used for the tests is also used in Malaysia, particularly at the Centre for Engineering and Technology Excellence (CREaTE).
A Visit to the Central Lab
CONCLUSION
This enlightening study tour brought about the following conclusions:
i. Formulation of policy by the government is pivotal in determining the use of additive/alternative materials in the mix of building materials/road maintenance.
ii. Giving exposure to the use and methods for determining the performance of natural rubber in construction technology.
iii. Performance of paving materials based on natural rubber is at a moderate level compared to the use of other additives.
iv. Implementation of a free flow system can have an effective impact on the Level of Service (LOS) on tolled highways.
TECHNICAL STUDY DELEGATION TO BANGKOK A RESOUNDING SUCCESS
The delegation
REAM’s first post-pandemic overseas trip was a resounding success in terms of delegation strength and accrued value-added knowledge. Initially not more than 20 participants comprising road related officials from public and corporate sectors was envisaged by the Organising Committee. But the flurry of registrations as of the closing date totaled an enviable 84 participants with many more late-commers being politely told that it was not possible to further increase the delegate numbers due to logistical constraints.
The delegation was headed by the President of REAM and Director General of Public Works Department, Malaysia Datuk Ir. Haji Mohamad Zulkefly bin Sulaiman.
Datuk Ir. Haji Mohamad Zukefly when addressing the hosts during the REAM appreciation dinner on 4 July said that the overwhelming response to participate from REAM members was not only due the area of study which was relevant and of interest to the members but also the country of visit renowned for its warm and embracing hospitality that has been a preferred destination by most Malaysians. He added that as this was the first overseas delegation organised by REAM in some 27 months, the members had taken the opportunity to ‘chill out’ after being confined to home ground for that long a period.
This 2-day study tour on 4 and 5 July 2022 was jointly hosted by the Department of Highways, Thailand (DOH) and Roads Association of Thailand (RATh). The main objective of this delegation, among others included the sharing of knowledge and experiences relating to the implementation of natural rubber modified asphalt, research, Thailand’s road infrastructure development and the implementation multi-lane free flow system. Further, a delegation such as this has paved the way for future collaborations, interactions and networking between the Malaysian road engineering fraternity and that of Thailand.
The delegation left Kuala Lumpur on the morning of 2 July and in the evening were treated to a 2-hour relaxing twilight dinner cruise along Chao Phraya River. Sunday 3 July saw the delegation visiting the city’s road infrastructure en route to popular tourist destinations to enjoy their colour, sights and sounds. A small group took the opportunity of playing a round of golf.
The delegation returned home on the evening of 6 July.
TECHNICAL VISIT TO K2 BITUMEN CRUMB RUBBER MODIFIED BINDER PLANT
The Local and Global Network Committee in collaboration with K2 Bitumen Sdn. Bhd. organised a technical visit to the CRMB plant in Ipoh on 3 November 2021.
The Local and Global Network Committee in collaboration with K2 Bitumen Sdn. Bhd. organised a technical visit to the CRMB plant in Ipoh on 3 November 2021.
It was an enlightening programme where officials from Public Works Department, other road industry players and academicians had an in-depth knowledge through briefings and discussions pertaining to the CRMB and crumb rubber modified asphalt (CRMA) technology.
The Managing Director of K2 Bitumen Sdn. Bhd. Encik Mohamed Nasser bin Ahmad warmly welcomed the REAM delegation and said that K2 Bitumen welcomes any interested party to visit their plant to get insights into the technology, knowledge and experience.
The REAM President and head of delegation Datuk Ir. Haji Mohamad Zulkefly bin Sulaiman extended REAM’s appreciation to K2 Butimen Sdn. Bhd. for hosting the visit. He said the main objective of the visit was to gain valuable knowledge and insights on the production of crumb rubber modified bitumen or CRMB which was the heart of CRMA pavement technology. The specification for crumb rubber modified asphalt or CRMA pavement was produced by REAM in 2018 through the tireless efforts of JKR and JSI-K2 Bitumen Sdn Bhd partnership. Through the application of this technology that recycles used tyres, it effectively reduces environmental pollution resulting from burning of discarded tyres. He also credited the Local and Global Network Committee for its continuous efforts in organising technical visits and study tours towards further enhancing its network, the intellectual capital of its members in particular and the engineering fraternity in general.
The participants were then briefed by representatives of K2 Bitumen on the quality control and quality assurance (QA/QC) of the CRMA via appropriate laboratory testing and the production of the CRMB.
The following participated in the visit:
Public Works Department
Road Engineering Association of Malaysia
Roadcare (M) Sdn Bhd
THB Maintenance
Belati Wangsa
Selia Selenggara Selatan
Protasco Trading (M) Sdn Bhd
AHN Vertex
Kemaman Bitumen Company
MIROS
Universiti Sains Malaysia
REAM GALA DINNER 2022
The dinner organised by the Sports and Social Events Committee and held on 26 January 2022 culminated in a resounding success. Considering the prevailing circumstances impacting the country, the response from the members and the road engineering industry was heartening.
Ream Gala Dinner 2022 Poster
The dinner organised by the Sports and Social Events Committee and held on 26 January 2022 culminated in a resounding success. Considering the prevailing circumstances impacting the country, the response from the members and the road engineering industry was heartening.
The evening’s theme Reminiscing Nostalgic Past was aptly mirrored in the ambience created by the specially designed décor at the venue. The nostalgia was further enhanced by the performance of the physical and vocal ‘look-alike’ of the versatile and iconic actor, singer and director, the late Tan Sri P. Ramlee. Accompaniment by The Royal Jazz Band further brought to the fore the ever-popular evergreen melodies.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of mementoes and plaques to past and present Council members in appreciation of their exemplary contribution to the development of REAM by the guest of honour, the Senior Minister of Works YB Dato’ Sri Haji Fadillah bin Haji Yusof.
25TH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2022
The 25th Annual General Meeting of REAM was held on 3 June 2022. Deputy President Dato’ Ir. Shuhaimi bin Hassan presided over the meeting on behalf of the President Datuk Ir. Haji Mohamad Zulkefly bin Sulaiman who was unable to attend due to circumstances beyond his control.
Dato’ Ir. Shuhaimi in his welcome address said that it was great meeting members in person rather than via the impersonal online mode as required by the restrictions imposed for some two years.
The 25th Annual General Meeting of REAM was held on 3 June 2022. Deputy President Dato’ Ir. Shuhaimi bin Hassan presided over the meeting on behalf of the President Datuk Ir. Haji Mohamad Zulkefly bin Sulaiman who was unable to attend due to circumstances beyond his control.
Dato’ Ir. Shuhaimi in his welcome address said that it was great meeting members in person rather than via the impersonal online mode as required by the restrictions imposed for some two years.
“Praise be to the Almighty for bestowing upon us the resilience and patience in facing this past traumatic adversity and today for providing us with some semblance of normalcy. However, this is not the first time we are meeting in-person. We met during the much delayed 24th AGM some six months ago on 10 November 2021 and some two months later at the frequently postponed REAM Gala Dinner 2020 on 26 January 2022. Both these events, especially the REAM Gala Dinner was well supported by the road engineering and transportation community. Thank you all for your spirited participation and contribution towards the resounding success of the event”.
The Honorary Secretary General Ir. Haji Ibrahim bin Esa reported the views and decision of the Council on the proposal by members for the waiver of annual subscription fee for the years 2020 and 2021. The proposal was discussed at length by the Council at the post AGM first Council meeting held on 2 March 2022.
Ir. Ibrahim informed that as of late 2021, a total of 61 Institutional and Ordinary grade members have been removed from the membership register due to non-payment of annual subscription fee for the two-year period. Should these members be reinstated as proposed, REAM will still have to pay REAAA’s portion of the fee amounting to a total of RM 21,880.00 despite not having received the payment from these defaulting members.
In this connection, total of 248 members from both grades who had dutifully paid their subscription fee for the said years may demand either for a refund or seek such waiver for the following 2022 and 2023 years which in principle they have the right. Should this happen, REAM may have to fork out an additional RM 102,560.00 to REAAA.
In view of above, the Council concluded that should the proposal to waive the subscription fee and subsequently pay the dues to REAAA to reinstate defaulting members as and when similar situations arise just to maintain the membership strength, REAM’s financial health will be severely impacted.
The Council unanimously decided to maintain status quo on the action taken on members who are in arrears of their annual subscription fee in accordance with Clause 7(i) Entrance Fee and Annual Subscriptions of the REAM constitution.
The house also approved the audited accounts for the year ending 31 December 2022 tabled by the finance committee member Encik Yong Ven Nam on behalf of the Honorary Treasurer General Dato’ Ir. Jeffrey Choong Moh Kheng.
