By Shukri Rahman

Petaling Jaya, 18 August 2004: Attended by 800 local and foreign participants, the Sixth Malaysian Road Conference (SMRC) which began on August 16 ended on a successful note here today.

Protasco Bhd (PB) participated by dispatching its top engineers and managers as participants, having its reps in the organizing sub-committees and exhibiting its corporate information, products and services. Wholly-owned HCM Engineering Sdn Bhd is also one of the SMRC’s platinum sponsors.

The conference was highlighted by thirty one papers covering new technology, road safety, pavement, geotechnical works etc, three guest lectures, one case study, four optional technical tours and 58 exhibition booths. Together they underpinned its theme “The Future of Roads in National Economy.”

En Md Juhari Ismail, Regional Manager, Roadcare Kelantan, a participant at the conference said with more participants, exhibitors and papers, this year’s conference is livelier than before. He added that participation during workshops has certainly increased. According to En Abdul Halim Abd Rahman, Roadcare Operations Manager, who was on duty with other PB personnel, on the first day alone, the PB booth attracted almost 200 visitors.

Another participant, Mr Wong Yen Pin, Public Works Department (PWD)’s Senior Superintendant Engineer said ,“ The topics discussed are wide-ranging and the road related products and services exhibited are pretty good.” Quipped En Tahir Ahmad, Bumi Hiway’s Assistant General Manager, Engineering, “This year there are more booths which display interesting products and services, most notably the futuristic smart systems. It seems that everybody related to the road industry is represented at this conference! ” The organisers also produced a daily bulletin for visitors and participants to keep tabs on happenings inside and outside the conference hall.

In his address during the opening ceremony, Road Engineering Association of Malaysia (REAM) President-cum-Director General, Public Works Department (PWD), Tan Sri Dato’ Ir Hj Zaini Omar said the Malaysian government gives a high priority towards the implementation of infrastructure projects, especially road infrastructure. He added, “Going forward there is no room for complacency. For the national economy to flourish in a balanced development with due regard to the environment and ecological system, the country must equip itself with the latest technology and innovation.”

Under the Eight Malaysia Plan (2001-2005), RM5.5 billion and RM9.5 billion have been allocated for development of new roads and improvement/ upgrading of existing roads respectively.

Echoing Tan Sri Zaini, in his keynote address, Works Minister, Dato’ Seri S. Samy Vellu said it is imperative for the country to create an effective, efficient and economic transport infrastructure to support a sustainable and healthy economic growth towards Vision 2020. He added,“ Roads can play a catalytic role in stimulating the economy…Besides future expansion, the existing road network needs to be maintained , operated and improved to a world-class standard.”

First held in 1994, the Malaysian Road Conference (MRC) is the premier conference of road engineering in Malaysia. It is held biennially for the presentation of research findings, exchange of experiences and updates on new technologies. MRC is jointly-organised by the Ministry of Works, PWD, Malaysian Highway Authority, REAM and supported by the Institution of Engineers Malaysia and Institution of Highways and Transportation (Malaysia Branch).