UEM Edgenta Berhad, through its Infrastructure Services (EIS) division, continues to demonstrate resilience and innovation in Malaysia’s road and highway maintenance sector, despite facing growing operational challenges.
With expertise spanning more than three decades and over 9,000 kilometres of roads under its purview, the company’s capabilities include highway and rural road maintenance, asphalt resurfacing, construction, and facility management.
“Our primary responsibility remains the PLUS Highway, including its rest and service areas (R\&R),” said Raihana Ahmad, Head of Infrastructure Services at UEM Edgenta.
“EIS also maintains state roads under the Public Works Department (JKR), and we are involved in road construction, airport runway resurfacing, and traffic management services for large-scale infrastructure projects such as MRT, LRT, and expressways.”
To ensure quality and sustainability in its projects, EIS adheres to the Expressway Maintenance System guidelines issued by the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) and employs strict quality controls during construction.
“This includes regular inspections and material testing to ensure compliance,” said Raihana, adding that EIS also integrates road safety audits, sustainability assessments, and best practices in environmental and social governance in line with both local and international standards.
Driving ESG Innovation through Research and Technology
As part of its commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals, EIS established a dedicated Pavement Research Centre (PRC) to develop sustainable road-building solutions.
“At PRC, we develop products such as recycled asphalt pavement and cold mix premix, which are not only used in-house but will also be marketed nationwide,” said Raihana.
EIS has also pioneered its own Road Asset Management System (RAMS), a digital tool that enables performance monitoring and operational planning.
“Originally available only via web, RAMS can now be accessed via mobile app. Data collected is analysed for preventive maintenance planning and more efficient infrastructure upkeep.”
In addition, mechanisation and automation are being adopted, including equipment such as rabbit mowers and robot cleaners now deployed at the R&R area in Seremban. EIS has also introduced premium scenting systems in public restrooms to enhance user comfort and deployed specially designed Truck Mounted Attenuators to ensure worker safety during MRT and highway projects.
Adapting to Challenges
Raihana acknowledged the significant challenges faced by the division, including workforce safety, limited working hours during holidays, material price fluctuations, and natural disasters.
“One of our strategies has been to set up our own asphalt mixing plant to secure supply and improve productivity,” she said.
Weather events, particularly flooding, have posed difficulties, but she noted that EIS has developed standard operating procedures and flood-prone area identification based on past experience.
She also recounted the operational hurdles during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, when road maintenance had to continue despite nationwide movement restrictions.
“Supply chain disruptions and border closures made it difficult to source materials and equipment, but maintenance was critical to prevent road deterioration.”
Empowering Communities and Building Local Capacity
As part of its community impact initiatives, EIS has implemented a Vendor Development Programme to support local contractors, many of whom started at Grade G1 and have progressed to G7.
Meanwhile, the new asphalt mixing plant in Cenderiang, Perak, is expected to create job opportunities for the surrounding community.
Raihana also highlighted the company’s ongoing project in Indonesia, exporting Malaysian expertise in highway maintenance and offering skills development for local contractors.
Future Outlook: Operational Excellence and Regional Expansion
Looking ahead, EIS is focusing on operational excellence, innovation, talent development, and strategic partnerships to maintain competitiveness in an evolving global infrastructure market.
“We continuously seek creative ways to improve operations and deliver added value to clients. Innovation keeps us ahead, while human capital development ensures we remain competitive,” she said.
EIS is also expanding its footprint in East Malaysia and neighbouring Indonesia, aligning with its ambition to become a national leader in infrastructure services.
“Our efforts are in line with our vision of positioning the company as a frontrunner in Malaysia’s infrastructure services sector,” Raihana concluded. - June 2, 2025
