Tips for driving into Malaysia this long weekend

Our neighbour’s traffic police department were recently hot on the heels of Singaporean registered vehicles during the New Year 2015 holidays, seeking remuneration for past speeding offences. Many Singaporean drivers were handed fines for violations that were more than 7 years old. So do check before you cross the border, and avoid making traffic violations on your journey, lest you are prevented from returning home at a surprise road block.

Sign up for an account at the Malaysian authorities to check if you have any existing Malaysian summons under your vehicle’s registration number.

Make sure that your tyres are well-inflated and the car’s fluids are well-topped up. If you carry a spare tyre, also check that it’s properly inflated.

If possible, make sure that your tyres are rotated and balanced.

If you are planning to leave on Wednesday the 18th, it’s advisable to leave early in the morning before 7am or in the evening when many will be having reunion dinner, traffic at the borders are expected to be clear during then. If you can stretch till the wee hours of Thursday morning from 12am till 6am, traffic should be clear during this period too. Thereafter, traffic patterns may be erratic, hence do check the traffic cameras before leaving.

Cruise control helps you keep within the speed limits, but only use it if you are wide awake.

While cruise control is designed to make your journey easier, it also enhances the hypnotic and fatiguing effect of long distance driving. If you are tired, you may be quickly lulled into sleep as the car covers ground with ease.

Road rage gets you frustrated, adds unnecessary stress, and drains your energy. More often than not, it’s dangerous not only to you but puts other road users at risk too.

Traffic is expected to be extremely heavy from Sunday (22nd Feb) afternoon onwards till the wee hours of Monday morning, so do avoid returning during then. It would be advisable to return during Sunday noon or very late into the wee hours of Monday morning, perhaps past 2am. If you have roaming or access to the internet at the Malaysian side, it would be wise to check traffic conditions on the causeways before returning too.

Police / Ambulance - 999 (or 112 from a mobile)

Fire and Rescue Department (known as Bomba) - 994 (or 112 from a mobile)

AA Malaysia - 1300 226 226

Towing services are provided by private entities just like in Singapore, and the AA only provides towing and roadside assistance to members. However, give the AA Malaysia a call and they will likely give you a local tow truck driver to tow you to a nearby workshop or even to Singapore.

If you are on the North-South Highway, the NSH PLUS servies (wearing PLUS official vests and driving a PLUS truck) may also be able to assist you as they patrol along.

If you do decice to bring your car back to Singapore, do note that your car will be considered cargo and will be charged a MYR200 export fee.

From all of us at Oneshift, we wish all our readers a very happy Chinese New Year and happy holidays, and for those going on road trips and long drives, have a safe and rewarding journey!

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