Malaysia has rolled out its first glow-in-the-dark road markings, pleasantly surprising road users, who lauded the initiative.

The Hulu Langat district’s Public Works Department (JKR) said the pilot project was implemented on Oct 28 in a two-lane road near the rural Semenyih town in Selangor.

The road is along the intersection of Jalan Sungai Lalang and Jalan Sungai Tekali.

“This glow-in-the-dark road marking is our attempt to bring innovation into road engineering,” JKR said in a Facebook post. “Please do not be surprised if you happen to drive through the area.”

Before the markings were painted on the road, the surrounding area was dark with no street lights, making it hard for road users who travel through the area at night.

Malaysia’s Works Minister Alexander Nanta Linggi, who inspected the markings on Wednesday night, said they have a durability of up to 10 hours and provide “a good glow effect” even during rainy weather.

“However, the ministry is still evaluating (the project’s) overall effectiveness, including its currently relatively high implementation costs,” he said in a Facebook post.

Malaysians gave the thumbs-up to the project, with many saying it will increase the safety of road users.

“Can’t deny, Malaysian roads will look really lit. No pun intended,” said an Instagram user with the handle lordlaboughdash.

Facebook user Iskandar Zulkarnain Razalli commented that the markings will make it easier to drive on the road during stormy weather.

“When it rains and the car has no air-conditioning, the windows will fog up, which makes it very difficult to see the white road markings,” he said.

Another commenter with the Instagram handle gymtycoon claimed such markings are common in South India.

“Saw this in South India many years ago and I was thinking this is a neat idea. Finally, it is here in our country. Great job, JKR,” he said.

However, another netizen, Mr Alan Chin Weng Lon, said on Facebook that drivers still have to pay attention while driving.

“Drivers should drive carefully and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles even with the presence of the glow-in-the-dark markings,” he said.

Many Malaysians also called for the glow-in-the-dark road markings to be expanded nationwide, especially in rural areas where there are no street lights.

“We should have them on all highways and kampung roads as well,” said Mr Jimmy Chang on Instagram.

However, there are some who urged the authorities to ensure the roads are properly maintained.

“JKR, ask your officers to drive during rain or at night, you’ll realise that the poor visibilty of road lines, bad signage and uneven roads and potholes are obvious causes of accidents,” said Mr Ravi Apparaw on Facebook.

“Look at the condition of all federal roads in Malaysia as a whole. Imagine how many lives can be saved.”