Several Riders Skidded At The Same 'Anti-Skid' Lane. Here's What JKR Says

Several motorcyclists lost control along the same section of the Federal Highway motorcycle lane this week. The unusual part? The green surface they were riding on was specifically designed to be anti-skid.

The incidents happened along the Klang-bound motorcycle lane near Subang Jaya on Sept 23, with a 42-second video circulating online showing several motorcycles on the ground and riders gathered by the roadside.

According to Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, light rain was falling at the time and the road surface was reportedly slightly wet.

That understandably raises questions about the green surface itself. But before blaming the anti-skid treatment, there's something important to know: JKR has not determined what actually caused the riders to lose control.

Yes, That Green Surface Is Supposed To Be 'Anti-Skid'

According to preliminary information shared by Nanta, the coloured section of the motorcycle lane was indeed designed and installed as an anti-skid finish, in accordance with the prescribed work specifications.

That makes footage of several riders apparently losing control on the same section particularly concerning.

However, the fact that the incidents happened on an anti-skid surface does not automatically mean the treatment itself caused them.

JKR has been instructed to conduct a comprehensive technical investigation without drawing an early conclusion on the cause.

So What Is JKR Investigating?

There isn't just one possible explanation. JKR's investigation is looking at the skid resistance of the surface when wet, the condition of the pavement and whether the road could have been contaminated by substances such as oil or diesel.

Nanta has also said factors such as riding speed and traffic conditions are being considered.

In other words, determining what happened requires more than watching the viral video.

The department has already carried out skid-resistance tests under both wet and dry conditions to assess how the surface actually performs.

Road Safety Experts Want The Surface Properly Tested Too

Road-safety experts have similarly cautioned against jumping straight from the viral footage to a conclusion about the green treatment.

Dr. Law Teik Hua, Head of UPM Road Safety Research Centre (Photo: NST)

Universiti Putra Malaysia Road Safety Research Centre head Assoc Prof Dr Law Teik Hua said the video alone isn't enough to prove that the paint caused the riders to fall.

Instead, he suggested comparing friction levels between the coloured surface and the adjacent bare asphalt under wet conditions. Other factors including drainage, surface texture, contamination, tyre condition, rider speed and the riders' paths should also be examined.

That distinction matters.

A road treatment can be intended to increase skid resistance, but its actual wet-weather performance still needs to be measured before anyone can say whether it contributed to what happened.

JKR Is Resurfacing The Section Anyway

While the technical investigation continues, JKR isn't waiting for its final conclusion before taking precautionary action.

"KURANGKAN LAJU" signs have already been installed at the location, while the affected section will undergo mill-and-pave works. A 40 km/h advisory speed sign will also be installed.

Importantly, those remedial works shouldn't be interpreted as confirmation that JKR has found the anti-skid surface responsible.

Nanta said corrective action will be taken if the investigation identifies weaknesses involving the materials, workmanship, design or maintenance.

This Motorcycle Lane Was Already Undergoing A RM20 Million Upgrade

The incidents also come against the backdrop of a major upgrade programme for the Federal Highway's dedicated motorcycle lanes.

Carz previously reported that RM20 million had been allocated to upgrade the Federal Highway motorcycle lanes as part of ongoing efforts to improve safety and comfort for motorcyclists.

Further updates in May 2026 said the project covered 48 km in both directions and included road resurfacing at selected locations, drainage improvements, tunnel repairs, replacement of road barriers, bridge railing repairs and additional signage.

Around 35,000 motorcyclists use the lane every day, despite its original design from the 1970s being intended for roughly 20,000 daily users.

Another RM6 million of the allocation was earmarked for more than 800 integrated solar LED lights to improve visibility along the route.

For now, then, the viral footage leaves us with a pretty striking contradiction: several riders lost control on a surface specifically intended to reduce skidding.

But whether that surface itself was responsible is precisely what JKR's investigation now needs to establish.

Until those technical findings are available, riders using the affected stretch would be wise to exercise extra caution, particularly when the road is wet.

FAQ: Federal Highway Motorcycle Lane Incidents