The Toll is Off!

If you haven’t heard the news,the Malaysian Twenty Ringgit Per Entry Toll aka CarTag is OFF!
So don’t worry that you have to pay RM20 for the Exit Toll coming out of Malaysia thru Tuas, Johor Baru or even the Thai Borders.

There is also NO THREE QUARTER TANK RULE for MALAYSIA. Meaning, if you enter Malaysia, feel free to be empty on the tank from Thailand but the 3/4 Tank Rule applies for ALL SINGAPORE REGISTERED CARS (S-Plates) Coming thru the Singapore Border. This is the SINGAPORE ICA Law! $500 Compound Fine awaits if you fail.

Some things to note:

G-Plate Vans,Pickups and Lorries are required to have a registration in MALAYSIA, with a local Johor Entity Company to register that vehicle. The Driver MUST HOLD A VALID GDL (Goods-Vehicle Driving Licence) which they have to sit and pass a THEORY TEST.

They must also hold a VALID MALAYSIA CDL (Competent Driving Licence) prior to applying for a GDL Theory Test. To apply for a GDL,they must hold a VALID MALAYSIAN ADDRESS and an EMPLOYMENT or LONG TERM VISIT PASS. The Malaysian Company have to apply for that. The Annual fee (LEVY) ranges from RM1200 to RM3500 for a Business / Management Pass (which is easier to get). A business / management staff pass (aka Pass Pengajian Taraf Tinggi ..similar to Highly Skilled Migration Program for degree holders) can bypass the RM3500 fee by paying the income tax to that rate or the Zakat Harta/Pendapatan for Muslims. In lieu of that, you can forget the Singapore IRAS Tax return as you have paid the Malaysian Tax. To apply for a CDL, you need to bring the relevant documents, such as a bank statement and if you married a Malaysian, your marriage certificate and your spouces’ ID.

The GDL must be applied only from Johor Baru JPJ Office in Taman Daya. If you hate the hassle, use an agent. Fees range from RM300 onwards. You need to pass a medical test etc etc. Standard stuff the LTA require for Vocational Drivers.

Singapore Registered Y and X Plates are NOT ALLOWED TO ENTER MALAYSIA.

RED PLATES ARE NOT ALLOWED TO DRIVE IN MALAYSIA IF YOU HAVE INSUFFICIENT INSURANCE COVERAGE. Off Peak Vehicles are read as vehicle that are illegal on the road from 0700-1900hrs Monday - Friday except Public Holidays etc. As how you are in Singapore, your Insurance is NULL AND VOID if you drive in Malaysia or Singapore during these times WITHOUT A COUPON!! I have seen cases of Drivers held up to court up north for driving without registration of vehicle, tax and insurance for driving during daylight hours. Your Insurance is ONLY THIRD PARTY IN MALAYSIA even when you have sufficient Comprehensive cover in Singapore. It only covers up to 50KM within Johor Baru, and THIRD PARTY RISKS there after.

So don’t be a gung ho and think the Malaysian police don’t know about this. They just close an eyelid as they don’t think they can ‘makan’ you with a fine. If the JPJ stops you,especially the Federal JPJ Patrol who roam about the country, you will be detained immediately. It’s a RM500 on the spot fine, or you get to eat Nasi Ikan Kering in the lockup with only your underwear. They are just being tolerant of us so we can spend more dollars in Malaysia.

Also, do note that Singapore Cars are to use White or Black front plates and Yellow Rear Plates without any fanciful plates. If the JPJ stops you for it, it’s another RM150 on the spot, and they break your plates off, and force you to tow your car to the workshop and get a replacement there and then. Same thing with TINTED GLASS!! They will tear it off, bit here and there to ‘fine’ you instead, so you have to fork out about $500 to replace the tinting.

And …get a AAM Coverage or so, just in case if you break down, as it’s a real costly misadventure in Malaysia if that happens, at least RM500 for a quick tow! An AA Membership in Malaysia cost about RM150 or so. Save you alot of hassle.

I’ll put up more info should U guys need it!Happy travelling!