Malaysian Driving

Here are some interesting points to remember when driving in Malaysia:

• LTO licenses (non-pro, pro, or international) can be auto-converted to Malaysian driving licenses without a need for an exam. You just need to get a certificate of authenticity (or something like that) from the Philippine Embassy and present it to the JPJ-office (that's what their LTO is called here, sorry I can't remember what the acronym stands for coz it's in Malay). You'll get a Probationary License (or P-License) immediately which is valid for 2 years.

• P-License holders are obligated to stick a big "P" sticker on the front and back windshields of their car. This is to allow other motorists to be aware that you're a probationary driver. It's like saying "I'm a newbie driver and I don't care when and where I turn so you better get the f*ck outta my way!"

• Right-hand drive. Everything you learned from driving in EDSA, the South-Super Highway, or even Quiapo, just inverse it: keep left if you're slow, overtake only on the right, shift-stick on the left, wiper-toggle on the left, signal-turn toggle on the left, tissue-box on the left, latest pirated CDs on the left, handsfree which you forgot to put on is on the left, phone ringing which you pick up on the left, oncoming 8-wheeler truck in front, forced swerve to the walking old-couple celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary on the sidewalk on the left, a prisoner named Samson who'll want you to be his "bunk-mate" for the next 30 years on your left, etc.

• Horn. Malaysians never use their car horns during traffic. They will only use the horn if and only if they are really really pissed, which seldom happens. In the Philippines, you'll hear a barrage of honks when the traffic-light goes green, as if it help the first jeep in the intersection to move coz he still has two vacant seats to fill for his next trip.

• No potholes on the highways. Yes you read that right. There are no potholes. I think it's because they have a Formula-1 circuit here that they are obligated to impress the international community by making their highways as tip-top as possible.

• Toll-fees are cheaper. If I base from the length of the Magallanes-Bicutan leg of the Skyway in Manila to a similar skyway here with the same distance, the toll is cheaper (P75 vs P21 for the same distance).

• Gasoline is cheaper. Gasoline (or Petrol, as they'd call it here), is lower. The unleaded petrol, for example, is P10 cheaper here compared to that in the Philippines. The reason is that the Malaysian government subsidizes a portion of these prices.

• There are no "gas-boys" in the petrol stations. Filling-up of gas is self-service, something that I enjoy doing coz I've been curious as how it is done before I got to Malaysia. Just don't let the phone ring while you're filling-up or else.....KA-BOOM!

• Park with care. Car-thieves are abound here, especially in KL. They say that stolen cars are either sold at the Malaysia-Thailand border or it is chopped for spare parts. I heard from an officemate that in January 2003 alone, there were over 700 Toyota-Altis there were stolen in the KL-area.

• Cars are expensive here, especially the imported ones. The local cars, Proton and Perodua, are protected by the government by imposing high taxes for the imported cars. For example, the money you spend here to buy a Toyota-Altis would be enough to buy you a Mitsubishi Pajero in Manila ---the latest model. Perodua has deals with Daihatsu that's why their models look alike. Same for Proton, who has deals with Mitsubishi.

Well that's about it so far. Do try to avoid me on my Perodua when you're here on the road ---the one with the P-sticker. Hehe.