After much discussion with my fellow car-kakis and my Team RSK friends, I have decided to come up with few tips on traveling up north. Most of them including me have experiences of traveling up north and of course, most important thing that comes to our mind is obviously SAFETY.

Here are few tips but please do take note I don’t hold any responsibilities, its just something that I gathered from friends or kakis and most of it here, you may have known or heard from work of mouth. Its something you won’t find in the mass media.

1. Its good to know a bit of the Malay language and understand a bit of their culture although it’s not a must. Culture as in, understanding how does the people in Malaysia communicate, what are the Dos and Don’ts. This helps a lot especially if you are planning to travel further up north. You may want to find it HERE

2. Singaporeans are known to have a high sense of fashion statement. Even from babies to small kids, its how we dress that shows our status. But do take note; the best way to dress up in Malaysia is just to wear nice but simple clothing. Even if you can afford things, do not flaunt it.

   

3. Put those expensive sets of jewelleries aside as you don’t really need to show it there. The more you wear, the more you will attract unnecessary attentions of people looking at you.
4. If you are driving, please ensure that you checked thoroughly on your car status, maybe few days in advance before traveling. Go to any of your regular or favorite workshop to have them check of any leakage, sufficient engine oil, workable batteries and other necessary stuff that you think would help in your journey and of course, most important, your tyres. For any reference, can proceed HERE .
5. When traveling in North South Highway, always ensure that you stick to your lane, as you know, that it is a two-lane unlike in Singapore, which is three-lane road. Overtake when it seems necessary. Always constantly look out for your speed as Singaporeans tend to speed like there’s no tomorrow. Regularly checked your rear view mirrors for any oncoming cars, which are approaching at a fast speed, and please, do give way to them, as you have nothing to rush. Can refer HERE.

6. Speed traps are common in North South Highway, 3 Major places were identified as normal hangouts for the Police. First is in Pagoh/Yong Peng Area, the exit near to Melaka, Ayer Keroh, and of coz somewhere near Senawang in Seremban Area prior to the exit to Kuala Lumpur. You may want to check it HERE

7. Do watch out for certain areas of Pagoh other than the speed traps, there are also common term called “Angin Lintang” which means “Crossing Winds” .Do watch your speed in the area as it’s a common places for cars to lost control, skidded, flipped or even overturned in that area due to a combination of excessive speed and the “Angin Lintang”. Not much has been said about the above as it was considered a myth. Anyway its up to each individual to believe it as my own relative had experienced it once. Emergency intercom can be found in all parts of the expressways;



8. Whenever stopping over at a food stall or so called “Warungs” or even when you park at a place where food is involved, always ensure that you park “HEAD IN”. Meaning that your exhaust are supposed to face away from the “Warungs”. The locals are particular about the way u park your vehicle. Although its uncomfortable for most Singaporeans to park in that manner, but at least you respect the locals.

9. Never leave any bags that can be seen in the front or back seats. Any bags just dumped it in your luggage compartment or boot area. Even if you are planning for a short break, never ever leave your car unlocked. There were cases of cars left unattended even for a short while and being stolen.

10. Don’t be complacent even if you have the best anti-theft alarm or even those baseball bat cum steering lock in your car because car thieves are always smarter than you. Normal practice if you have those feature in your cars, are to always ensure, your car are parked Head In, The steering are being turned clockwise or anti clockwise at least Half Turned, and your gears engaged in either 1^st or 3^rd gear which is forward. Reason being, it will be difficult for your cars to be towed away without your notice.

11. Always be vigilante and remind your family members to keep a lookout for their own personal belongings and lastly, all of the above, are just tips, as at the end of the day, its how you take care of yourself for the journey.

Here I wish to that car enthusiast who frequented the north, Happy Driving and Drive Safely. Always remember of your Loved Ones.