Glow in the dark road markings in Malaysia: A bright idea that faded too soon

This paper examines the implementation, performance, and ultimate discontinuation of the glow-in-the-dark road marking initiative in Malaysia. Introduced in late 2023 along a 245-meter test stretch in Semenyih, Selangor, by JKR Hulu Langat and supported by the Ministry of Works, the project utilized photoluminescent paint designed to absorb sunlight during the day and emit a glowing effect at night to improve visibility for drivers and pedestrians in poorly lit or rural areas. Despite initial positive feedback from the public and key government officials regarding its effectiveness in wet conditions—prompting initial expansion plans to Kedah, Melaka, Johor, and Negeri Sembilan—the initiative was halted by late 2024. High material costs, priced at RM 749 per square meter (nearly 20 times the cost of traditional road paint), combined with the photoluminescent paint's lack of durability, rapid fading, and need for frequent maintenance, led parliament to conclude that the technology was not cost-effective or sustainable for long-term implementation