Serdang, 12 June – Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) through the Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering received a working visit from YB Datuk Ir. Shahelmey bin Yahya, Deputy Chief Minister III and Minister of Works of Sabah, together with a delegation from the Ministry of Works (KKR) and the Public Works Department (JKR) of Sabah.

This visit aims to strengthen knowledge sharing involving the Bitumen Laboratory facilities and technology of Modified Bitumen with Plastic Waste (Recycled Plastic Modified Bitumen) as a result of strategic collaboration between UPM and PETRONAS Research Sdn. Bhd. (PRSB).

The technology known as SMA20-Plastic Modified Binder was developed by the UPM Highway Engineering Unit led by Prof. Ir. Dr. Ratnasamy Muniandy, together with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Fauzan Mohd Jakarni, Assoc. Prof. Ir. Salihudin Hassim, technical officers and support officers as well as graduate students. This technology has been tested in several locations including PRSB Bangi and Tanah Tinggi Lojing, Kelantan with performance of more than 2 years without damage, and has now been approved in the Road Material Approval List (RMAL) system by the Malaysian Public Works Department (JKR).

During the visit, YB Datuk Ir. Shahelmey bin Yahya and the delegation toured the research facilities and received a briefing on the technology and its potential for widespread use, especially in Sabah in an effort to improve road quality and reduce plastic waste pollution.

The visit was also joined by Prof. Ir. Dr. B.T. Hang Tuah Baharudin, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Industry & Community Network), Datuk Ridhwan Roger Linus, Permanent Secretary, Sabah Ministry of Works, Tuan Jasni Abu Suffiyan Omar, Deputy Permanent Secretary II, Sabah Ministry of Works, Tuan Mohd Shamsul Nizam Abd Wahid, Deputy Director of Works representing the Director of Works, Sabah Public Works Department, Ir. Norhayati Hashim, Head of Technology Research & Chief Executive Officer, PETRONAS Research Sdn. Bhd. (PRSB), Dr. Mahpuzah Abai, Project Head (Digital Technology Business) & Chief Executive Officer, PETRONAS Technology Ventures Sdn. Bhd. and Prof. Ir. Dr. Zainal Abidin Ab. Kadir, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering.

Date of Input: 18/06/2025 | Updated: 18/06/2025 | nurulnadira