The LED light on the right is demonstrably brighter than the yellow-tinted sodium light on the left. It also gives wider coverage for half the energy consumption. — Picture by Lim Poh ChinThree highways are now lit with LEDs which will cut power use by half

SUBANG JAYA: The Works Ministry and Royal Philips Electronics have embarked on a pilot project to light up three of the city’s major highways, which add up to 63.1km. The project, launched on Monday by Works Minister Datuk Shaziman Abu Mansor, will see Jalan Subang, Federal Highway and Middle Ring Road (MRR2) illuminated by Philips LED (light-emitting diode) road-lighting technology.

At the launch on a stretch of Jalan Subang. it was demonstrated that the Philips LED light source shone brighter than the yellow-tinted sodium light on the highway. The LED light also surpassed the sodium light in coverage.

Shaziman said the government was working hard to promote green technology and reduce carbon emission. “In 2009, the government asked the Works Ministry to reduce carbon emission by 40 per cent. Since then, we have embarked on several projects. For this one, we are replacing the sodium light bulb with the eco-friendly Philips LED light,” he said.

Shaziman said the LED light would cut energy consumption by 50 per cent as well as reduce carbon emission by 50 per cent. “The government is spending RM26 million a year to light up the roads in the country. “It costs RM780,000 a year to light up the three highways. With this technology. the amount will be reduced by half. We have also not incurred any extra costs,” he said.

Shaziman said the ministry would see how the pilot project fared before it considered extending the project to other parts of the country, “We have to wait for motorists’ response. If the feedback is good, we might look at other areas,” he said. Philips LED road lights emit high-quality, neutral cool white light and meets road lighting requirements and performance. Philips Malaysia Lighting general manager Vennila Rajamanickam said a Philips LED light used 186 watts while a sodium light consumed 445 watts. “The Philips LED light is also brighter and covers a larger area. People are more visible under its white light. This has helped authorities in other countries reduce crime by 30 per cent,” he said. The contract between Philips and the Works Ministry is a milestone that would help the government to accelerate the implementation of energy-efficient initiatives. The project would ensure that urban areas are vibrant and liveable and enhance Malaysians’ confidence in public safety, as part of the 10th Malaysia Plan. Philips Lighting Emerging Markets senior vice-president and general manager Olivier Piccolin said the cool white LED light that added beauty to landmarks such as the KL Tower, National Science Tower and KLCC would also make the streets and cityscape shine. “It also enhances the overall image of the city and improves road safety and comfort.” Piccolin said switching to energy-efficient lighting systems for public infrastructure was a triple-win move that improved safety and security, beautified the city and reduced energy consumption. He said the switch would also help the country to achieve green solutions status, as envisioned in the 10th Malaysia Plan.