Safety when driving into JB/Malaysia

[Jase]

Hi all,

For those of you who frequent JB etc, do you feel that there's a safety risk when driving your BMW? I'm just concerned whether sporting a "sporty" car attracts unnecessary attention. I've heard some nasty stories but they're always hearsay. Just wanted to know what you "regulars" have to say about this.

Thanks,
J

 

[VolanteDB9]

Re: Safety when driving into JB/Malaysia

so long as its an SG plate...you are already in...for more aggressive defensive driving from some misinformed Malaysians...
coupled with a BMW...then again depends on e driver and his awareness too...
also sometimes its pure 'luck' you are picked...heh...

encountered a few times at the causeway when they rubbed against ur side mirror or clearly banged into you...sometimes car..sometimes motorcyclists...some just 'run' away...some will turn it around..."WHY YOU HIT ME!! YOU MUST PAY!!!"...

i encountered once when a fellow Singaporean pretended too though...he cut in and hit the bumper...but continued on pretending nothing happened...managed to catch him after e causeway though...and he finally broke down and say he got no $$$ to pay...zzz

 

[Jase]

Re: Safety when driving into JB/Malaysia

I'm been told of carjacking stories and snatch thief stories, just because the driver steps out of a fancy S-plate fancy car, not a BMW in particular.

 

[Jase]

Re: Safety when driving into JB/Malaysia

Any other suggestions for safety etc? I'm just interested to hear what those of you who drive your nice cars across the bridge think? Any safety concerns, any suggestions on how to protect yourself, family and car etc?

 

[bmw3er]

Re: Safety when driving into JB/Malaysia

Best is dont go.

We are targeted by both their law enforcers and law breakers! Sigh...

Any other suggestions for safety etc? I'm just interested to hear what those of you who drive your nice cars across the bridge think? Any safety concerns, any suggestions on how to protect yourself, family and car etc?

 

[Jase]

Re: Safety when driving into JB/Malaysia

LOL! A bit difficult for me I'm actually from across the bridge. Never driven a SG car into JB before so wanted to know what it's like, particularly with a BMW.

 

[adsnx]

Re: Safety when driving into JB/Malaysia

at times, my job requires me to drive in JB . however i only frequent Hyatt hotel & the resort besides Senai airport and i valet park...at least there's someone looking after.

i avoid places where singaporean frequent cos i feel tat wld make it an easier target.
suppose u stop yr car and someone approach you, jus wind dw yr window slightly in case tat person wans to extort money.
keep a look out b4 u get in and out of car, dun carry too much cash ard and always ensure yr door is locked.

some stories might be true but it happens to the locals as well and its not 100% safe in singapore too. dun worry too much & enjoy yr drive there.

 

[Jase]

Re: Safety when driving into JB/Malaysia

Thanks for the words of encouragement. I guess I'll just drive and park my car @ my in-laws' place and then take out their Altis to drive around I guess it's all about being streetsmart and not trying to attract too much attention. Of course, if you sport a bling-bling watch and bling-bling diamonds (for my wife) etc, then you're asking for trouble.

Cheers for the feedback. Anyone with further comments?

 

[Ahbengdriver]

Re: Safety when driving into JB/Malaysia

I always feel safe when I have a RM$50 note in my shirt pocket, ready to be handed out as a token of appreciation to my MATA HIADEEs up there.

 

[Jase]

Re: Safety when driving into JB/Malaysia

Haha. It's not about safety in that regard. It's more about carjacking and theft etc. Kopicash is one thing. A carjack is quite another.

 

[hitmee]

Re: Safety when driving into JB/Malaysia

one of my ex colleague civic was stolen in hyatt hotel car park!! so dun think 5 stars hotel car park are safe.

some malaysian advised to always park head in. harder for then to tow ur car away.

 

[Jase]

Re: Safety when driving into JB/Malaysia

one of my ex colleague civic was stolen in hyatt hotel car park!! so dun think 5 stars hotel car park are safe.

some malaysian advised to always park head in. harder for then to tow ur car away.

Parking head-in... hmm... that's a great idea. Thanks for that tip!

 

[Mockngbrd]

Re: Safety when driving into JB/Malaysia

park head in and turn ur steering so the wheels are not straight

 

[Jase]

Re: Safety when driving into JB/Malaysia

park head in and turn ur steering so the wheels are not straight

Can I assume that a slight turn will suffice OR do I need to make a more than 45degree turn?

Also, does anyone use the old school steering/gear locks?

 

[Ronkovic]

Re: Safety when driving into JB/Malaysia

Hi Jase,

I drive in once to twice a week, either to pump petrol or head down to stay at Permas Jaya. By virtue of driving an SG car into JB, you're more or less a 'target' in a sense that some of the JB drivers do deliberately drive more aggressive towards you, although most of them are pretty OK and accomodating, unless you start lane hogging or cut across their path blindly.

If you're in for a quick fuel top-up, best thing is to go in, get to a petrol station (The one at Pelangi is quite frequently crowded and frequented by SG cars and you can take your pick from Shell, Esso or Caltex all in the same area) that is relatively bright and with alot of cars. Lock your doors while pumping. Essentially, quickly go in, head for the pump, finish up and haul ass back to SG.

If you wanna avoid car jacking, don't park your car too far off in dark places from where you eat/shop/drink kopi. If you can find proper parking with a guard / traffic 'director' - (For example, there's a nice indian guy outside a popular restaurant at Sentosa area who will guide you to parking lots and watch yr car while you eat), that's best. Never open windows/doors to people who stop you along the road asking for a lift.

Try to travel in groups and if you're really worried about safety, last resort you can always carry a baseball bat in yr front seat.

 

[bmw3er]

Re: Safety when driving into JB/Malaysia

Head in for FWD auto car.
Rear in for RWD auto car.

But the persistent thieves can still lift all 4 wheels to tow off!

one of my ex colleague civic was stolen in hyatt hotel car park!! so dun think 5 stars hotel car park are safe.

some malaysian advised to always park head in. harder for then to tow ur car away.

 

[Ronkovic]

Re: Safety when driving into JB/Malaysia

Also, does anyone use the old school steering/gear locks?

Some people I know still do use these old school steering/gear locks. Although nowadays the thieves have their way to crack it somehow, its nonetheless still a deterrent in the sense that it would take them some time to break through these locks and thus cause them to think twice.

 

[Mag]

Re: Safety when driving into JB/Malaysia

Some people I know still do use these old school steering/gear locks. Although nowadays the thieves have their way to crack it somehow, its nonetheless still a deterrent in the sense that it would take them some time to break through these locks and thus cause them to think twice.

Yeah, steering wheel locks are more a visual deterrent than anything else.

 

[Jase]

Re: Safety when driving into JB/Malaysia

Right, I think thieves who can steal a BMW can definitely break a steering lock. I just wondered if ppl used it. I'm thinking of getting a high-end one in hope that if I can't prevent the car from going AWOL, I can at least give the thief a righteous headache in trying to get the vehicle.

 

[hitmee]

Re: Safety when driving into JB/Malaysia

the steering lock can be used as a weapon too.