SHAH ALAM: On a budget of just RM114, a team of five pupils from SK Puchong Utama 2 proved that cost is no barrier to high-impact innovation, clinching the Special Award in the Digital Innovation Category at the 2026 Selangor State Metamorphosis appreciation ceremony yesterday.
Known as Team Harmoni, the five Year Six pupils impressed the judges with their Pothole Detector On-The-Go, an Internet of Things (IoT)-based innovation that detects potholes in real time.
They earned a RM2,000 cash prize, a trophy, and a certificate of appreciation.
What makes the feat even more remarkable is that the team outperformed 240 other participants, including those from higher education institutions, local authorities, and government-linked and private companies, in a competition that showcased a range of high-impact innovations.
Team member Syafierul Qaleef Shahrul Anuar, 12, said the idea for the device arose from a concern for road user safety and was also inspired by the school syllabus he had been learning since July.
"It did not cost much. We built this project for about RM114 only. We used components like light-emitting diodes (LEDs), a buzzer, an ultrasonic sensor, a guard sensor, a toy car and many other parts.
"What we built is actually part of what we learn in school. Personally, I dream of studying engineering and building robots for agriculture and plantations," he said when met by Bernama at the Hilton Shah Alam, Glenmarie, last night.
The award was presented by Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, accompanied by State Secretary Datuk Dr Ahmad Fadzli Ahmad Tajuddin and State Executive Councillor for Islamic Affairs and Innovation Culture, Dr Mohammad Fahmi Ngah.
Meanwhile, the team's accompanying teacher, Amirah Najihah Mohd Taufik, 25, explained that the Pothole Detector On-The-Go was designed specifically to spot road damage and send signals and alerts directly to a monitoring system.
"The device was actually created to detect potholes on the road. It sounds an alert to indicate a pothole, and we connect it directly to the system. The system transmits data in real time so that those monitoring it can pinpoint the exact location of the pothole.
"The system also comes with various other alert functions. The R&D for this project has been carried out since July by five pupils. They were selected based on the highest scores in Science and their excellent presentation skills," she said.
Amirah said the innovation is highly relevant, given that potholes are a critical problem that can cause accidents or injuries to road users.
She added that the device will be further developed with integrated cameras and AI technology, boosting its effectiveness and its potential for use both locally and abroad.
She added that the school is open to collaboration with any party to strengthen and expand the innovation.
An annual state government event, the 2026 Selangor State Metamorphosis Appreciation Ceremony recognises and celebrates excellence in innovation across the civil service, private sector, higher education institutions, schools and the public. — BERNAMA
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