I travel to Malaysia a lot actually, as I find it is the
cheapest holiday destination which does not require much planning.
Just get in the car and drive anywhere. They have just started
selling the March there so your car will be quite unique. The main
worries in Malaysia are (i) crime, (ii) road directions, and (iii)
speed traps.
Driving a March helps as people won't think you're a filthy rich
Singaporean. Dressing VERY casually is in my opinion the best
defense. No jewelry, fancy watch, etc. Just shorts and T-shirt and
you'll blend right in as that is standard attire in Malaysia. Your
car also should be safe as they target Fortuners, Camrys, and all
SUVs as the main resale market is Thailand.
Road directions should be straightforward for you as you are going
on the NS highway mostly, but if it is your first time driving in
Malaysia, let me just say the road signs are "best guesses" so
don't believe everything the sign says unlike Singapore signs. The
signs can sometimes point right then 50 meters away point left.
It's best to get a national road map from the Malaysia Tourist
office on Robinson Road. You can also get immigration cards, and
other useful info.
Speed traps are common along the NS highway, although with the
March, it shouldn't be too much of a problem since it can't go that
fast anyway. Northern Johor is very common - seems like the police
there likes the "additional income". In the unfortunate event of
getting stopped by TP, they will try to get you to pay them off -
the standard is RM50 so please don't get "cheated" and pay more
simply because you are from Singapore. However, I usually just ask
them for the summon. That's because many of these speed traps are
illegal i.e. not official ones. If it's just one police car, then
very likely it's illegal, and these cops just want some extra
pocket money. If it's illegal, they can't give you a summons
because they are not supposed to be there anyway. Even if it is
legal, it will be difficult to enforce as they don't know where you
live and can't send you a reminder. The only downside is if you'fre
caught again, they will expect a bigger "payment", that is if they
have done their homework and checked your record, which they
usually don't.
Enjoy your drive. Malaysia is a beautiful country and warm friendly
people.
