Singapore Expats

Thinking of doing some driving around Malaysia but have heard a few stories about:

1. crazy & dangerous drivers
2. they wait for Singaporean license plate to cross the borders then the police pull you up for bribes
3. you have to watch your car as it’s either going to get stolen or parts taken!

Any advice or experiences?

adley01 wrote:Thinking of doing some driving around Malaysia but have heard a few stories about:

1. crazy & dangerous drivers

If you can drive in SG then MY is no problem. I find some of their road manners a bit better.....like not hogging the fast lane on the highway but all other stuff is pretty much the same as here. Cut in, don't indicate, tailgate but overall it's no worse than SG.

2. they wait for Singaporean license plate to cross the borders then the police pull you up for bribes.

Watch your speed......they don't just wait for SG platers. I think in the last 2.5yrs I've been pulled three times, basically one per year. I was working on the SAME average for the 5yrs i had a MY plated car! It's only RM50 so you have two choices, don't speed OR make the RM50 count for something and head up the NS at 190kph.


3. you have to watch your car as it’s either going to get stolen or parts taken!

Keep your wits about you same as you would in London, New York or Paris. Don't keep valuables in the car, lock your doors when driving and if you must speak to somebody just crack the window enough to be heard.

Any advice or experiences?

Honestly though, more than 5-yrs in KL driving a Malaysia registered car and 2.5yrs in SG driving a local car over the border I've never had any problem apart from being stopped for speeding but..... I did it, got caught and paid the <cough> fine so that's fair.

Don't listen to some of the locals here that tell you Malaysia is like the Wild West, it could be their way of trying to make SG feel superior. Don't do anything daft or that will draw attention to yourself and you'll be okay. There is crime yes, car crime for sure but your not going to be driving through the hood or an English city centre when the pubs shut, both of which scare the sh!t out of me.

Yes, you're correct about the speed. Just drive safely and they won't pull you off the road. No illegal U-turns, etc. Don't wear any *Blingbling and fancy clothings - anything that attracts attention. Best no handbags!

I've driven to msia with my children alone. It's easy and road signs are alright. JB has improved a lot since the last 10 years. The furthest I've driven is to Malacca and KL. You should try small towns like Yong Peng - good food & simple shopping for local produce.

adley01 wrote:Thinking of doing some driving around Malaysia but have heard a few stories about:

1. crazy & dangerous drivers

Those are the ones with Singapore Plates who think they are in the Wild West and don't have to obey any laws at all!

As soon as they get through immigration, they roll down the windows and start throwing out their garbage as well. I've been behind them enough times to see it.