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November14
Iwansntu | Dreamstime.com
Keen to get out of Singapore and explore
Malaysia for the weekend? Whether it’s a
shopping trip to Johor Bahru, a kid’s birthday
at Legoland, a getaway in Malacca or a break
on one of the East Coast islands, it’s easy to
hire a car to get you there. We asked DANIEL
ONG from
Evergreen Rent A Car
for tips on
how it’s done.
What documents are needed to rent a car?
Renters and authorised drivers must be between 24 and 70 years old
and have held a driving licence for at least two years. If your foreign
driving licence isn’t in English, you’re required to have an International
Driving Permit in addition to the foreign licence, or an official translation
of your licence in English. You’ll also need to bring along your passport
and your Employment or Dependant’s Pass. A Singapore driving
licence is compulsory if you’ve been in Singapore for over a year.
What car do you recommend?
The most reliable brands are the Japanese models. If it’s a family trip,
my suggestions are a Toyota Estima, a Honda Odyssey or a Honda
Stream.
Navigating in central Malacca can be tricky; do you supply
in-car navigation?
Devices can be rented at an additional charge and subject to
availability.
We know from experience how fast drivers travel on
Malaysian freeways; any other tips?
The roads are well built, but avoid jams at the immigration checkpoints
by travelling at non-peak times. Also, watch out for traffic police.
How can Evergreen help in the case of car trouble?
We operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, but there is no
immediate breakdown service in Malaysia as our tow trucks are not
allowed to cross the border. Renters would need to arrange for the car
to be towed back to the Singapore border, and we can take it from there.
Tips on driving in Malaysia
1. Make sure the petrol tank is three-quarters
full before leaving Singapore; this is a legal
requirement. (You can fill it up in Malaysia
just before you return, though – there’s a
petrol station a few kilometres from the Tuas
border.)
2. The Tuas checkpoint is often quieter than the
one at Woodlands, but avoid peak hours at
both if possible, especially Sunday evenings.
3. You’ll need to pay a few dollars to leave and
enter Singapore, somake sure the vehicle’s
cash card has sufficient credit.
4. You don’t actually need to get out of the
car to clear immigration in either Singapore
or Malaysia; it’s like a McDonald’s drive-
through.
5. Once in Malaysia, buy a freeway toll card at
the first tollbooth. This swipe card allows you
to use the “Touch’n’Go” automatic lanes at
each toll point.
6. The highway speed limit is 110km/h.
Evergreen Rent A Car
159 Sin Ming Road, #01-07
6337 6041 | evergreenrentacar.com
WEEKEND GETAWAY
MALAYSIA