The Pavement Transportation Research Group (PTRG) from the Faculty of Civil Engineering (FKA), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), recently conducted an impactful community knowledge transfer program titled Pemindahan Ilmu Penurapan Jalan—Jom Tampal Jalan (JTJ) at Surau As Sakinah, Taman Pulai Indah, Johor. The program aimed to equip residents with practical knowledge on repairing potholes using the cold mix technique, contributing to safer and better-maintained streets.

Supported by Safwa Global Venture Sdn. Bhd., this initiative involved active participation from the Taman Pulai Indah community. As part of UTM’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts, lecturers and students from PTRG participated, focusing on educating the community about various types of road failures, their causes, and the impact these failures have on road safety and infrastructure.

Participants were taught temporary patching techniques using the cold mix material, known for its ease of application and effectiveness in addressing potholes. The PTRG team demonstrated the entire process, offering hands-on guidance on equipment usage, the importance of wearing high-visibility clothing, and maintaining a safe working environment to prevent accidents.

Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Haryati Yaacob, head of PTRG, explained, “Our goal is to provide the community with practical knowledge so they can take proactive steps to improve their local roads. By understanding the causes of road failures and learning how to address them, residents can contribute to enhancing the safety of their neighbourhood.”

The hands-on approach of the session was highly appreciated by residents, who gained valuable experience and a greater sense of responsibility over their community’s infrastructure.

The program also reinforced the connection between UTM, industry, and the local community, demonstrating the university’s commitment to applying research knowledge for public benefit. The PTRG team hopes that this initiative will inspire more community-driven efforts to maintain and improve local roads, fostering a safer environment for all.

Source: UTM NewsHub