Headlines IKRAM SIGNS MOA FOR BETTER ROAD ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGIES
| IKRAM SIGNS MOA FOR BETTER ROAD ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGIES |
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By Shukri Rahman Johor Bahru, May 31 2004: Kumpulan Ikram Sdn. Bhd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Protasco Berhad, signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Government of Malaysia to carry out a joint Research & Development (R&D) project to improve road engineering technologies here today.  Kumpulan Ikram’s Chairman, Tan Sri Dato’ Othman bin Mohd Rijal signed for the company whilst Tan Sri Dato’ Ir Hj Zaini Omar, Jabatan Kerja Raya Malaysia's Director-General, signed for the Government. The signing was witnessed by Dato’ Ir Haji Mohd Zin Mohamed, Deputy Works Minister Malaysia.
The joint R&D is on Fundamental Characteristics of Stabilized Full Depth Reclaimed Pavement Layers in Malaysia. Costing RM13.2 million, the project will be spread over five years. Kumpulan Ikram will partially fund the project through its related company, Roadcare (M) Sdn Bhd. The latter will also undertake all the construction work connected with the research. The signing is likely to enhance mutual co-operation between Kumpulan Ikram and the Government in the infrastructure research activities particularly in the area of road engineering, construction and performance measurement as well as geotechnical and geoenvironmental engineering. Today’s collaboration would see the provision and supervision of service, transfer of skills and technology and sharing of R&D materials between both parties. The signing is of significant value to Kumpulan Ikram for it marks the culmination of the confidence that the Government has on Kumpulan Ikram as a credible research partner. The MOA increases the number of joint research projects between the two parties to 13. Formerly a research arm of the Public Works Department (JKR), Kumpulan Ikram was privatized on January 1, 1997. Kumpulan Ikram is noted for its innovation. Since its privatization, it has been credited with various road-related products and techniques such as the Quick Strength Slow Setting Emulsion (QS3E) used as a stabilizing agent in road recycling process; QMIX (Ikramix), a cold mix which can be stored up to 12 months and used in pothole patching; LOGIK, a geo-technical application for preliminary design; kampung road techniques and rubberized bitumen. Separately, Protasco Bhd participated in an exhibition held in conjunction with JKR Senior Officers’ Meeting in Johor Bahru from May 31 to June 2. |
