Solar Street Lights, Road Upgrades Improve Safety On Gerik-Jeli Highway

GERIK, July 31  (Bernama) -- Road users have expressed appreciation and relief over the installation of solar-powered lights at several high-risk locations along the Gerik-Jeli East-West Highway (JRTB), voicing hope that such improvements will help prevent further loss of life.

A Bernama survey along the highway, which connects Perak to Kelantan, confirmed that the newly installed solar lights are now brightly illuminating previously dark and dangerous stretches, including the site of the tragic accident on June 9 that claimed the lives of 15 students from Sultan Idris Education University (UPSI).

Sungai Petani Response Team Squad Volunteer Mohd Amir Faizal, 47, said he has personally witnessed the improvements being implemented and has received positive feedback from many road users.

"Besides the installation of solar lights, the government has also carried out several other upgrades, including resurfacing roads with new tar, repairing damaged dividers, and installing safety piles at hazardous spots. These efforts are commendable. We are truly thankful," he said.

Mohd Amir, who has been providing emergency assistance to JRTB users for the past five years, hoped that these enhancements would significantly improve safety and help prevent further tragedies on this route.

A restaurant operator in Gerik town, Oswarli Ramli, 65, said the 123-kilometre road, which is often dark and considered high-risk, has become noticeably safer, especially for unfamiliar drivers.

"I’ve been using this road since it first opened, and the installation of solar lights is a much-needed improvement. They allow drivers to clearly see the road and surrounding areas, which is vital as the JRTB is also a route frequented by wild animals, especially elephants," he added.

He said more warning signs should be installed to complement the lighting system.

Meanwhile, Malaysian Volunteer Department (RELA) member Mohamad Afif Harun, 28, noted that solar lighting not only enhances visibility but also helps deter cable theft, a common issue with conventional street lighting systems.

"From my perspective, regular maintenance is crucial to ensure these solar lights continue to function effectively and provide consistent illumination for road users," he said.

Another frequent user, Hamisah Ismail, 54, expressed her gratitude for the government's proactive efforts in enhancing safety along the route.

"I feel relieved and thankful that the government has taken this step. The road is now much safer, and that gives peace of mind to those of us who use it often," she said.

"In the past, we would hear reports of fatal or serious accidents almost every month. These solar lights not only make it easier for road users to navigate, but they also improve visibility in areas with sharp bends and hilly terrain," she said.

Perak Public Works Department (JKR) director  Zamri Mat Kasim, when contacted, said that the appointed contractor began installing 385 solar street lights at identified locations along the highway starting in early July.

“In addition to the solar lights, JKR is also carrying out road maintenance, including resurfacing the road, repainting road lines, and upgrading road furniture such as barriers, chevrons, and damaged signage,” he said.

Zamri clarified that the JRTB, or Jalan Persekutuan FT04 connecting Gerik and Jeli, was already scheduled for upgrades in June 2023.

"This upgrading work is not a reaction to the recent tragedy alone. The planning was already in place, but as with all government infrastructure projects, specific procedures must be followed before any work can be implemented on the ground,” he said.

Previously, Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi had stated that the ministry had drawn up both short- and long-term plans to ensure that maintenance and improvements along the JRTB are carried out in phases, with an emphasis on high impact and long-term sustainability.

-- BERNAMA