Driving in Peninsular Malaysia on the expressway is very pleasant. It's a wonderful experience as you can stop anywhere in your own time. The scenery is lush and green and you can always stop overnight at any of the towns as there are always a number of hotels available throughout the journey.

Despite it's high accident rate driving in Malaysia is not as bad a some fear. Many of the casualties are young motor cyclists who often ride with a reckless disregard for their own safety. They can make driving a little difficult in the built up areas as they often speed through the car lanes. Driving outside the cities can be great fun and a excellent way to view the country.

Almost 80 percent of Malaysian roads are paved. An overland journey from Thailand to Singapore can be made easily through Peninsular Malaysia by driving through the North-South Expressway on the west coast and through the East-West Highway to the east coast. Buses, taxis and coaches, both interstate and local, also ply between various destinations. The speed limit on the Expressway is usually 110km/hr, but in some areas it is only 90 km/hr. Expressway users pay a toll based on the distance travelled and the type of vehicle. They collect a transit ticket from the entry toll plaza and pay the toll at the exit toll plaza.

Located along the Expressway are several Rest and Service Areas with food stalls, toilets, public telephones, petrol stations and parking areas. There are also laybys with toilets, public phones and parking areas. If your vehicle breaks down or if you're involved in an accident, you can contact the 24-hour-service PLUSRONDA for assistance by using the Emergency Telephones placed every two kilometres on either side of the Expressway. Furthermore, the Traffic Monitoring Centre handles inquiries from Expressway users and can be contacted at 03-2920000. To drive on Malaysian roads, you require a Malaysian Competent Driving Licence, Probationary Driving Licence or an International Driving Licence. To use a foreign licence, get it endorsed by the Road Transport Department. Please note that all vehicles move on the left-hand side of the road and that the use of safety belts by front passengers is mandatory.

Slow down when you go through a kampong (village) and keep your eye out for children, livestock and bicycles, especially at night. Keep left unless overtaking. The wearing of seat belts in the front is compulsory. Breaking traffic rules incurs a flat-rate fine. International traffic signs apply along the highway and on local roads. (See below for common signs)

Local drivers have developed a few signals; there are individual variations so watch what other motorists do. lf the driver in front flashes his right indicator, he  is signalling to you not to overtake. This is usually because of an oncoming vehicle or a bend in the road. Or he himself might be about to overtake the vehicle in front of him. lf he flashes the left indicator, this means to overtake with caution. A driver flashing his headlamps at you is claiming the right of way. At roundabouts or traffic circles, the driver on the right has the right of way.

Petrol Stations

Petrol can be found in or around the fringes of towns and along the highway, where there are also eateries and toilets. Many operate 24 hours (24 jam) and accept credit cards. Stations in major cities are self-service.

Maps

Road maps are becoming more accurate, but road signs can be frustratingly misleading, and asking for directions even more so - be patient. The names of tourist attractions are highlighted in green writing on signs while the highway is illustrated with a graphic.

Breakdown Services

The Automobile Association of Malaysia (AMM) is the national motoring organisation and has offices in most states - it has a prompt breakdown service for members, (Tel: 03-2161 0808).

Peninsular Malaysia's North-South Highway starts at the causeway connecting to Singapore and runs north along the west coast to the Thai border. The old trunk road runs roughly parallel to that through small towns and branches off to interesting nooks and corners, but you could be stuck behind a long queue waiting to overtake a series of rattling lorries.

mosimage} Several main routes link the east and west coasts via the spectacular main range. From Kuala Lumpur, the busy Karak Highway goes to Kuantan (3 hours), the dual carriageway ending midway at Karak town. A fork at Bentong heads north through Kuala Lipis to Kota Bharu on the Gua Musang road (9 hours). Kota Bharu is also linked to Penang via the East-West highway (5 hours), and Kuala Kantar in Perak at the Grik fork. From Johor Bahru, the Segamat Highway goes to Kuantan (4 hours),but the more scenic and muchl onger route hugs the east coast from Desaru all the way to the Thai border. 

Sabah and Sarawak

In Sabah and Sarawak, motorways run along the coast connecting major towns. Roads leading to more remote areas inland are often unpaved or rough, and a four-wheel drive is advisable for these interior routes.

Unless you want to explore jungle tracks and logging routes, a little Suzuki Jimmy or the equivalent can handle most conditions with ease, For day trips to Santubong, Damai, or west towards Lundu and beyond along the coast, a normal saloon car can be used. In Sabah, too, most of the main destinations along the coast are trouble free, as is the road to Kinabalu Park and northwest to Kudat.