In October 2023, Malaysian authorities tested a stretch of rural road near Semenyih using photoluminescent paint that glowed in the dark—offering illumination without electric lights. The 245-meter lane was intended to help drivers on poorly lit roads by providing visible markers for up to ten hours after sundown.
At first, motorists praised the innovation, especially when visibility is compromised during heavy rain or fog. But by late 2024, the government quietly backed away from scaling the project, declaring it too expensive to expand. The cost per square meter for the special paint was reported to be RM 749, nearly twenty times more than standard road paint.
Beyond the financial hurdle, durability concerns surfaced. Experts warned that Malaysia’s humid tropical climate accelerates the breakdown of photoluminescent coatings, demanding frequent reapplications. A review of pilot tests revealed that performance deteriorated faster than expected.
Due to these constraints, plans to extend the glowing road concept across multiple states were shelved. Officials said that allocating funds toward more fundamental road safety investments—such as signage, resurfacing, and lighting—was a better priority for now.
While the glowing road initiative has stalled, the experiment highlights the challenges of deploying novel infrastructure technologies in real-world conditions. Engineering teams in places like the Netherlands and Japan continue refining photoluminescent road materials, aiming to reduce cost and boost durability. For now, however, Malaysia’s bright idea has dimmed.
