While the month of June approaches us, holidays are here too! Being too caught up with your work while your child faced the stress from school assignments, a short escape will be perfect to unwind and recharge yourselves.
For most Singaporeans, Malaysia will be the perfect destination for a short getaway during your child’s school holiday. As exciting as it sounds, it is essential for you to fully prepare your vehicle as it may hinder your perfectly planned trip.
1. Vehicle Inspection
Travelling for a long distance is indeed tiring and dreadful. The thought of reaching the halfway mark during the journey is worse as this means you will have to go through the same distance and time period once more. However, while feeling tired personally, your car will experience the same too. To ensure that your car is well-prepared for the trip, tyres have to be pumped and vehicle to be checked by a mechanic. As such, you will worry less about being stranded by the highway due to breakdowns or flat tyres.
2. Getting the Right Certificates
Despite the close proximity between Singapore and Malaysia, it is always advisable to get travel insurance as a form of protection against safety risks such as accidents or breakdowns. However, do remember to check if your motor insurance in Singapore covers accidents within Malaysia as well. Additionally, it is important to ensure your road tax is still valid, and bring along with you either in a print-out format or digital copy. Prevention is better than cure; having these certificates protects you for your trip in cases of unfortunate events.
3. Tolls at Checkpoint
For vehicles transporting through the Causeway, tolls must be paid in both Singapore and Malaysia.
In Singapore, tolls can be paid via the checkpoint card readers with NETS CashCard, NETS FlashPay card or an EZ-link card. An important point to note is that it is not possible to top up your cards at the checkpoints, thus do ensure that there is sufficient value in your card to avoid any inconvenience.
In Malaysia, its Reversal Road Charge’s (RRC) only payment method is through the Touch N’ Go card, which makes it an essential item to bring along or purchase for your trip to Malaysia. It can usually be purchased at the CIQ Complex at Johor customs. Touch N’Go cards can subsequently be topped up at the Malaysian toll stations.
4. Petrol Tank
Heading to Malaysia for its cheap fuel price was a common practice for us. However, all Singaporean’s vehicles driving into Johor Bahru are required to have at least three-quarter of the petrol tank filled up upon its entry. For vehicles with less than three-quarter petrol, they would either have to make a U-turn to refill it or pay a fine up to S$500.
5. A Good GPS System
Driving around in another country may be difficult due to unfamiliarity with the roads. With an accurate and reliable GPS system, navigation will be easier and more convenient. The most frequently used GPS system, Google Maps, may not be the ideal option due to its need for an internet connection. Although Google Maps allow offline use such as downloading and saving regional maps, a little preparation is needed before you head off. Fortunately, there are other GPS systems that do not require connection with the internet. Just keep in mind to download them and try out before entering Malaysia; it will turn out fine and making your trip a smooth-sailing one.
One last useful tip, bring a safety kit along with you in your car such as flashlight, tools for changing tyres, jumping cables. As the saying goes, fortune favours the well-prepared.
With that, MoneyMax Leasing wishes you an enjoyable and relaxing June holiday with your loved ones!
