Practical speed limits in Malaysia

[Bandu W]

When I was searching the forum for "speed limits" most of the threads poped up were talking about driving at 220-240!!! So, felt bit shy to post this but something that I would like to know.

When I was driving in Malaysia (Johor), I didn't go more than 5 km/h above speed limts :boring: Although I wanted to drive faster, I was warried about cops giving me tickets or getting into some police harassment (which I have expeirienced in other developing countries).

What is the practical speed limit of driving on different types of roads in Malaysia, which can keep me out of trouble?

If I want to speed once in a way (to test my car, let's say ), what should I look for - to know that it is safe to do so?

Thanks

 

[jinooi]

Re: Practical speed limits in Malaysia

dude, doesn't matter what speed you drive - it's the car you are driving. And that will be compounded by your singapore plates.

got stopped a few times by the cops even though i was below the speed limit. told them it was impossible that i was speeding cos i was using cruise control. they didn't know what cruise control was, and reply was 'how can? drive powerful bmw and not speed?" my car's a 318 btw...

they then insisted that they had me on speed cam. when i insisted on seeing the evidence, they gave me a cock-and-bull story about how inconvenient it would be, have to wait for their shift to be over, go to the police station that is about an hour away, wait for them to get permission from their superior, and then pay an admin fee, etc. - i.e. more inconvenient than settling it there and then by giving them RM50 on the spot.

you know what? i couldn't be bothered. so i gave the pathetic bas***ds the RM50.

you know why? cos in the line of cars that were stopped, all of them had singapore plates.

so you just can't win...

BUT PLS NOTE - i am not encouraging you to speed in m'sia. but if you want to go for a spirited drive once in a while, do it with the knowledge that you don't have to be worried about getting caught speeding, cos if there are traffic cops around, you WILL get stopped just because you are NOT LOCAL, and you are driving a bimmer.

and only do that on the highways - not the b-roads, and not in towns and cities.

drive safe!

 

[Darth Vader]

Re: Practical speed limits in Malaysia

hi there

you can try the 2nd link at tuas,after the 1st toll you can speed up to your heart's content and exit at gelang pateh toll and u turn for another run back to singapore.need 30 mins for whole operation.

pro - weekdays morning usually no TP.if kenna caught, ask for tolong and the policeman will
offer 2 solutions.give RM 50 for kopi or RM 300 fine.

con - toll expensive.

tip : go between 9 am and 12 pm weekdays. dont go at night for security reasons.

cheers

 

[ryan]

Re: Practical speed limits in Malaysia

220-240 is possible but not practical. It's un-sustainable and NOT safe. Some people gloat about reach 300 or whatever, but a wipeout or tyre blowout at that speed will KILL you and other road users on the road.

I had a company associate just die just 3 weeks ago because of a tyre blowout on the Germany autobahn - which the car completely totaled. That completely sucked. The dude was just 20 years old.

I've driven up to Sepang multiple times with various groups of people. Cruising on NSH in COMFORT is around 150~160. That said, you must feel comfortable with managing speed, and it is illegal at that speed. If you want to speed, make sure your tyres are all in great condition, properly inflated and your wheels aligned.

Take it safe, take it slow if neccessary, there are no heros in reaching top numbers on the expressways. If you want to do a top speed run, go ahead but don't go nuts. Good luck and stay safe.

 

[jinooi]

Re: Practical speed limits in Malaysia

and if for whatever reason you get pulled over at night, do not stop for whatever reason, even if they look like policemen...

hi there

tip : go between 9 am and 12 pm weekdays. dont go at night for security reasons.

cheers

 

[Darth Vader]

Re: Practical speed limits in Malaysia

and if for whatever reason you get pulled over at night, do not stop for whatever reason, even if they look like policemen...

if night time 2nd link got police road block,100% they are robbers,
for night time,police road blocks usually at toll exits.

 

[Darth Vader]

Re: Practical speed limits in Malaysia

tires are tested for high temperature blow out up til 30 minutes.

so if you speed for 250km/h per hour on your bmw for 30 minutes, should be ok.
but first check your tire speed ratings.

 

[davidtch]

Re: Practical speed limits in Malaysia

When I was searching the forum for "speed limits" most of the threads poped up were talking about driving at 220-240!!! So, felt bit shy to post this but something that I would like to know.

When I was driving in Malaysia (Johor), I didn't go more than 5 km/h above speed limts :boring: Although I wanted to drive faster, I was warried about cops giving me tickets or getting into some police harassment (which I have expeirienced in other developing countries).

What is the practical speed limit of driving on different types of roads in Malaysia, which can keep me out of trouble?

If I want to speed once in a way (to test my car, let's say ), what should I look for - to know that it is safe to do so?

Thanks

I always drive with cruise control set at 150km/h. Kena stopped. Juz take the ticket loh. Sometime TP don't bother to issue ticket because i m not buying them "coffee". I had nvr been stopped for driving a Sg beemer. By the way, i hardly exit via Woodland because i hate to drive thru JB.

tires are tested for high temperature blow out up til 30 minutes.

so if you speed for 250km/h per hour on your bmw for 30 minutes, should be ok.
but first check your tire speed ratings.

Most recommended tire pressure is good for spd up to 160km/h. Need to pump higher if go above it.

 

[dragonred]

Re: Practical speed limits in Malaysia

Did my first trip to KL two weeks ago. Was super cautious about the speed limit, staying right within the posted signs. Quite frustrating as you can imagine to see Wajas & Protons zipping past. Crossed over to SG, and revved it up from Tuas to Alexandra (hoorray).

 

[Racebred]

Re: Practical speed limits in Malaysia

i always take tickets. It's the legal and only safe thing to do. For fake camera speed traps and roadblocks, if you ask for a ticket and call their bluff, sometimes they will just wave you on because they do not have any evidence against you.

Recently newspaper reported that singaporeans are getting arrested for bribery for msia cops. That is additional, needless trouble.

Also, always remember to show respect. We are guests in their country, and the only right thing to do, in malaysia, and in fact anywhere, is to be polite. And be thankful that we as singaporeans, have an avenue to drive above 90kmh. Look at most european (except stretches of autobahn), aussie, and american roads, they have access to cheaper supercars yet have nowhere to stretch except at the track or dragstrip.

As for speed, there are 3 limits you need to look at. The lowest of this 3 limits is the highest speed you can do. Your self-comfort limit, how confident you are in handling your car at various speeds. The road limit, coz even if the car's good, the driver's good, but raining, fog, lighting, debris, traffic, all play a part to reduce that limit. And the car's limit, coz even if the road is okay and you are a racing driver, you do not speed if your car's condition is bad, or if its a small city car not suited for highway speeding. Think with your head, not with your balls, always spare a thought for other road users, and you'll be safe (bar unexpected events like tyre blowouts or Dorethy's house falling from the sky)

 

[Bandu W]

Re: Practical speed limits in Malaysia

Thanks for the advices on speeding and safety, I appreciate them.

So, to summarize the legal-side of it, there is no gurantee of police-free travel even if I go at the speed limit . However, it is recommended that I go at the speed limit in roads other than expresway (toll way). If a police stops me, smile as widely as possible and try to get away, or take the fine otherwise.

If I fee like going fast (safely), better do it in the toll roads, where I see few others also speeding ahead of me.

I am worried about "not stopping" at night though. What if they are actual police, and if they shoot me? or come behind, catch me and jail me for "running away"??? Can that happen? I guess, I rather avoid driving at night in that case.

Question: If I get a fine, where do I go to pay it? Must pay it in Malaysia before crossing the border?

Thanks

 

[Ahbengdriver]

Re: Practical speed limits in Malaysia

Hiadee, let me share my 2 dingdong cents.

I am a regular visitor to Kawan-land. Normally I go to Cameron Highands, genting, KL, Mid valley, klang, and once Penang.

U must first understand the plight of the MY TP. Their salary is 'peanuts', kind of. So the temptation to collect kopi lui is irresistable. Almost every Police there got extra income from these deeds. So, regardless what stupid speed u drive at, they will try to stop u and ask for $$. The usual bull$hit is 'u exceeded 110kmh limit by 15 kmh, the fine is M$300, how u want to settle'. And my usual beng bull$hit reply is 'gimme the summon, or encik can settle sini?". The rest is u-know-what. M$50 is mkt price for SG cars, MY cars is $20-30. If u polish yr car blink blink, have brembos, 20 inch rims, be prepared to be asked M$100.

Also, from very reliable sources, their so called anti corruption bodies are also...well corrupt, from top to down the hierarchy. I am telling u the truth, I have friends relatives in Msia who are connected well. By the way, alot of their police that set up road blocks n stop cars are actually not Traffic Police ortheir JPJ. they just set up a fun fair stall to collect extra funds.

So hiadee, this is what u should do. if u wanna go malacca or KL, try to take Tuas causeway. if long w/e, ther are up 100,000 cars going over in one morning, so cross the border before 6am. As the sky brightens, air is cool. U can go as fast as you can if the raod ahead is clear, BMWs are very steady and good for that. My average cruising speed on my 335i in clear traffic is 180kmh. once in a while I do a quick 240kmh, just a short burst. As traffic builds up u gotta slow down n keep a clear distance from cars in front. careful with tourbuses.

Cops can set up road blocks so u will learn where they normally are as u pay more n more fees. They also park their cars (normally white perdanas) by roadside n once they see u charging they will try to chase n stop u. There was once I just gassed ahead n didnt stop but u should not do that unless its some white proton old sagas. Usually $50 settles so just give them, but ask them where is the next roadblock ahead. Sometimes when u are stopped, they claimed they radar clocked u at certain speeds but will not show u their radar gun. Actually most of the time they dont have a gun, they just trying their luck. Pls dont ask them to show u their gun as if like threatening them, just pay n go or ask for summon.

These days my fees have reduced a lot, thanks to a new device from a friend in the USA. I have a spare set if anyone is keen, its not cheap though. Cannot say too much here, PM me if keen.

 

[Ahbengdriver]

Re: Practical speed limits in Malaysia

I am worried about "not stopping" at night though. What if they are actual police, and if they shoot me? or come behind, catch me and jail me for "running away"??? Can that happen? I guess, I rather avoid driving at night in that case.

They will rather teedo than chase u.

 

[TripleM]

Re: Practical speed limits in Malaysia

Now I find it more peaceful to drive at speed limit or maybe just 10-15kmh above.
Dunno, seems less stressed. Also, think it's a good thing to slow down to the limit whenever you are approaching and overhead bridge

 

[Singapore Brummie]

Re: Practical speed limits in Malaysia

I was in a convoy of 3 friends with my beemer in the middle of 2 Japanese cars driving to Desaru. I was the only one stopped for speeding even though I was going the same speed as the other 2 cars. Luckily, the cop who pulled me over was my "friend" and he wanted a donation in my passport so he could let me go. No point arguing so MR50 was donated and on we went.

 

[Bandu W]

Re: Practical speed limits in Malaysia

So, it sounds like keeping RM50 note inside the passport is a good trick (except I have to remember to take it out before reaching the immigration counter )

 

[jinooi]

Re: Practical speed limits in Malaysia

+10 for ABD!!!

extremely well written!!!

 

[benji ben]

Re: Practical speed limits in Malaysia

ok handing over your passport is always never a good idea. for identification purposes, just hand them your driving license.

 

[Ahbengdriver]

Re: Practical speed limits in Malaysia

+10 for ABD!!!

extremely well written!!!

I am going to change job and be a book writer on "HOW TO DRIVE IN MALAYSIA AND BE FRIENDS WITH THEIR "

 

[Ahbengdriver]

Re: Practical speed limits in Malaysia

So, it sounds like keeping RM50 note inside the passport is a good trick (except I have to remember to take it out before reaching the immigration counter )

Hiadee,
u dont have to slip a note in yr PP. and u should never give them any of yr ID documents like driving licence n passport or NRIC, unless u really want a formal summon which they may not have the summon booklet in the first place.

Heres how you do it. After the bull$hit conversation is over, if they agree on the price, kawan will stick their hand or hold something through your front window. U just take a note and place it gently in his hands(faced down) or put it in between the pages of his whatever book he is holding.

Sometimes u are asked to wait longer before driving off as they dont want the public to see this as a blatant fee collection exercise. They want to pretend they are taking time to issue you a summon.

There are exceptional occasions. Once I come to a stop, pull handbrake with engine still on. He smiled I smiled, and he showed 5 fingers "$50?", gave them the fees. All done in 20 seconds. No a single word was uttered.