14/07/2025

MONDAY | JULY 14, 2025

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Faded road markings a hidden threat to drivers

Genting Tunnel breakthrough marks key ECRL milestone KUALA LUMPUR: The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), Malaysia’s mega rail project built by China Communications Construction Company (CCCC), marked a major milestone on Saturday with the breakthrough of the 16.39km Genting Tunnel, Xinhua reported. The breakthrough represents a significant achievement in itself, situated beneath more than 750m of mountainous terrain, the company noted in a statement following a ceremony to mark the occasion. Transport Minister Anthony Loke, who officiated at the ceremony, said the breakthrough also highlighted the successful cooperation between the two countries in railway engineering. “The ECRL is also touted as a ‘game changer’ for the movement of passengers and freight in Peninsular Malaysia as this rail infrastructure will link state capitals, major urban centres, industrial hubs, seaports, airports and tourism zones while interchanging with existing railway lines along the ECRL corridor,” he said. Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd CEO Darwis Abdul Razak said the Genting Tunnel breakthrough signalled the completion of excavation works for all 41 ECRL tunnels along the 665km alignment. “This major milestone highlights the strong collaboration and dedication among ECRL personnel at all levels in carrying out tunnel excavation works with meticulous planning and robust safety protocols,” he added. Located within the Titiwangsa mountain range, the Genting Tunnel was the most technically challenging of the 41 tunnels along the ECRL alignment. It was constructed using advanced tunnel boring machines (TBM) and drill and-blast techniques in highly complex and varied geological conditions. CCCC Second Highway Engineering Co Ltd deputy general manager Chen Jianfeng explained the challenges of working under these conditions and the use of high technology methods to overcome them. “The Genting Tunnel has highly complex geological conditions, including water ingress, rock bursts, soft surrounding rock and six fault zones along the alignment. “Due to these challenges, we chose the TBM method, which offers greater safety, stability and efficiency for tunnelling under such difficult conditions,” he said. Chen also emphasised that the Chinese side had worked closely with the Malaysian side to share knowledge and integrate processes, not only by bringing in advanced machinery and expertise but also by incorporating localisation. “Throughout the construction process in Malaysia, we placed strong emphasis on localisation while continuously working towards the integration of Chinese and Malaysian standards – a key focus of our efforts. During the project, we incorporated a wide range of local Malaysian elements and actively nurtured local talent,” he said. “Many Malaysian technical personnel have been sent to China for training. Looking ahead, the ECRL will be operated through a joint China-Malaysia partnership, with both parties working together as part of an integrated operation and maintenance team,” he added. The ECRL extends from Malaysia’s largest transport hub, Port Klang and runs across the peninsula to Kelantan in the northeast. – Bernama

Malaysia civil engineering expert Assoc Prof Dr Fauzan Mohd Jakarni described road markings as “silent communicators” that guide drivers, especially when visibility is poor. “Faded or overlapping markings create uncertainty and hesitation. Drivers rely heavily on these visual cues, particularly when there is limited signage or inadequate lighting,” he said. He warned that overlapping or double markings, often caused by careless re-striping, are particularly hazardous. “They force drivers to second-guess themselves, leading to last-minute lane changes, abrupt stops and even rear-end or side-swipe collisions,” he said. To reduce these risks, Fauzan recommended that painted road markings be inspected and reapplied every six to 12 months, while thermoplastic lines, which last longer, should be standardised for more permanent solutions. However, maintenance remains inconsistent. “Protocols vary widely between national highways and roads under local councils. This results in inconsistencies, where one stretch of road is clearly marked while an adjacent section remains faded, overlapping or poorly maintained,” he said. Fauzan stressed that any confusing markings must be removed immediately, but such overlapping lines are still common. He called for better coordination between agencies, stronger contractor accountability and dedicated budgets for road marking upkeep. “Markings should not be treated as an afterthought. In the end, road markings may look like simple lines but they are actually lifelines. When they’re faded, they don’t just vanish, they take safety with them.”

o Experts warn neglected road signs and lane markers contribute to crashes, urge stricter inspection and upkeep

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

research linking inadequate markings to numerous highway crashes, particularly those involving unintended lane departures. Malaysia, however, has no consistent nationwide system to track or fix these hazards. “The way authorities currently check and maintain markings is not sufficient to address the problem before it gets worse. “There is no defined mechanism to check the visibility and condition of road markings on a regular basis, even though they are painted over every now and then,” he said. Law noted that unlike developed nations, Malaysia still does not conduct retroreflectivity tests, a standard method for measuring how visible road markings are under vehicle headlights. To address the issue, he proposed a standardised inspection protocol, with high traffic urban roads checked every three to six months. He also urged the mandatory use of retroreflectivity tests and said critical markings – such as pedestrian crossings and sharp curves – should be repainted within 48 hours of being reported. Law dismissed the notion that this is only a rural problem. “It’s equally serious in urban areas,” he said, calling for a centralised digital monitoring system and the use of drones or machine-vision tools to speed up inspections. Echoing similar concerns, Universiti Putra

Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the move is crucial to address the misuse of AI, especially on social media platforms for scams, defamation and identity impersonation. “We may consider this requirement, for example, under the Online Safety Act, which is expected to come into effect, Insya-Allah , by the end of this year. We also believe platforms must be proactive in labelling AI-generated content as such,” he said at a press conference after attending the Institute of Public Relations Malaysia (IPRM) programme “YOU & AI: MEET@BANGSAR” yesterday. Also present were Communications Ministry Deputy Secretary-General (Strategic Communications and Creative Industry) Nik Kamaruzaman Nik Husin, Tun Abdul Razak Broadcasting and Information Institute director Roslan Ariffin and IPRM president Jaffri Amin. Fahmi noted that several social media platforms have already begun voluntarily labelling AI-generated content, and such initiatives could be expanded regionally through cooperation among Asean countries. On concerns over fake videos and images generated by AI, he said there are currently no globally satisfactory regulatory guidelines in place. However, he added that active discussions are ongoing, including at the UN and International Telecommunication Union (ITU) levels. “I recently attended the AI for Good Summit in Geneva, Switzerland. Indeed, at both the UN and ITU levels, there is ongoing debate over who should be responsible for AI regulation. PETALING JAYA: Faded, overlapping or missing road markings may seem like a minor nuisance but they are an invisible danger lurking on Malaysian roads, contributing to collisions and close calls every day. Despite being one of the most basic road safety tools, worn-out markings are often neglected, even in major urban areas such as Kuala Lumpur. Universiti Putra Malaysia Road Safety Research Centre head Assoc Prof Dr Law Teik Hua said faded or poorly maintained road markings are a major but often overlooked cause of crashes and dangerous driving. He said clear road signs and lane markers are especially crucial in low-visibility situations, such as at night or during heavy rain. “Researchers have found that road signs that are easy to see and read are particularly vital for helping drivers find their route, especially when it’s dark or pouring and visibility is low. “The country’s hot and humid climate is also accelerating the degradation of road paint,” he added. He said when lane lines fade, pedestrian crossings disappear or markings overlap, the risk of dangerous driving spikes. “This can lead to lane drift, sudden braking and improper merging, all of which increase the likelihood of accidents,” he added, citing

Govt mulls mandatory labelling of AI-generated content KUALA LUMPUR: The government is considering making it a requirement to label artificial intelligence (AI)-generated content as ‘AI generated’ under the Online Safety Act 2024, which is expected to come into force by the end of this year.

Fahmi posing for a photo after launching the festival. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

have legal implications, especially under the Official Secrets Act 1972 (OSA). “I’ve been informed that a police report has been lodged. “I cannot confirm whether the document is authentic or not. But if it is indeed genuine and classified, the OSA would apply. Therefore, we must be cautious and avoid spreading such material. We leave it to the police to investigate. As of now, I have no further information,” he said. Excerpts of the purported JAC meeting minutes, allegedly held in May, began circulating on social media yesterday. It is believed to have first appeared on Reddit before spreading to Facebook and X. Fahmi also reminded media practitioners to remain vigilant and comply with existing laws when reporting news. – Bernama

Certainly, at the national level, Parliament and ministries such as the Digital Ministry must lead. But we also recognise that every ministry has a role in assessing and evaluating AI use within its scope,” he said. Earlier in his speech, Fahmi stressed that AI cannot fully replace human roles. He also urged the younger generation, especially Gen Alpha, to understand the benefits, challenges and limitations of AI, given that they are growing up in a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence. Meanwhile, Fahmi said authorities need to investigate the authenticity of a document allegedly containing minutes of a Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) meeting that was widely shared online. He said if the document is found to be genuine and classified, its dissemination could