Travelers' Guide to Driving in Malaysia
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Travelers' Guide to Driving in Malaysia

09.11.2022 /

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Today, Malaysia is a popular destination for many tourists. The country has amazing sights and attractions that you will want to explore. You can visit the Ethnological Museum or the Southern Ranges where you can walk through the jungle. Penang National Park is another popular place worth considering. You can also visit the Museum of Islamic Art or the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur.

Car rental

In order to drive in Malaysia, you need an International Driving Permit, which you can use for up to six months. The minimum driving age in Malaysia is 18 years old. However, to rent a car, you must be at least 23 years old and have had a license for at least one year. Some rental companies only rent cars to people under the age of 65. When you rent a car, be sure to get a phone number and emergency contact information for the rental agency.

Road conditions and safety

The Malaysian road system is considered one of the best in Southeast Asia. Roads passing through settlements are paved and should not cause inconvenience to travelers. Emergency telephones are located on the side of the road every two kilometers (1.2 miles).

In Malaysia, traffic will be on the left. You are not allowed to turn left on a red traffic light unless there are signs indicating otherwise. Children under the age of four must sit in the back of the vehicle and all children must be in car seats. Seat belts are mandatory for passengers and the driver.

Driving a car with a mobile phone in hand is illegal. You must have a speakerphone system. As for road signs, most of them are written only in Malay. English is only used on some signs, such as those for tourist attractions and for the airport.

You will find that most of the time Malaysian car drivers are polite and obey the rules of the road. However, motorcyclists have a bad reputation for not following the rules of the road. They often drive on the wrong side of the road, drive the wrong way on one-way streets, drive on the side of the motorway, and even on footpaths. They also frequently run red lights.

Toll roads

There are several toll roads in Malaysia. Below are some of the more common ones, along with their prices in ringgit or RM.

  • 2 - Federal highway 2 - 1.00 ringgit.
  • E3 - Second Expressway - RM2.10.
  • E10 - New Pantai Expressway - RM2.30

You can use cash or touch-n-go cards, which are available at motorway toll booths.

Speed ​​Limit

Always obey the posted speed limit. The following are general speed limits for various types of roads in Malaysia.

  • Motorways - 110 km/h
  • Federal roads - 90 km / h
  • Urban areas - 60 km/h

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