To all you people who drive into JB often. You better read this. It just happened today.

I wanted to get my car washed, vacuumed and maybe top-up some cheap petrol. So I decided to head up to JB to get all things done. I drove up to the causeway and passed the Woodlands Checkpoint as per normal, then to the Malaysian checkpoint and got my passport stamped and when I headed over to the inspection corner, I stopped my car, released my seat belt (YES! I got my seat belts on!), and headed out to the back of my car to lift up the car boot for inspection. When I was cleared, I headed back into the driver’s seat and drove off. Almost instantaneously I got stopped by a Malaysian traffic police and this was the conversation we had.

“Sir, you didn’t have your seat belts on. Under the Malaysian law, the driver is to have his selt belt on whenever driving. I’m gonna charge and fine you for not putting on your seat belt. The fine is 300RM.”

And then I explained (still in the car);
“Sorry boss, I just got off the car just now for inspection. Usually I’ll drive and put on my seat belt at the same time. I’ll put my seat belt on right now.”

“Sorry Sir, this is Malaysia and you are under the Malaysian law now. I don’t know if you can drive without your seat belt on in Singapore but you’re now in Malaysia and I’ll have to penalise you for not putting on your seat belt. Can I have your license please?”

I got out of the car, took out and handed over my driving license to him.
“How much is the fine?”

“300 Ringgit”

“OK.”
And then he looked at me. Kinda surprised. Then he went…
“Ah! This is Malaysia! Please remember to put on your seat belt!”

“OK.”
He paused, and looked at me again…
“I give you one chance want ornot?”

“Oh yes please! Thank you boss!” I was already laughing inside. This fella just wants money.

“OK! 50 Ringgit! Go back into your car. Take back your license. MONEY UNDER LICENSE!”
I took out a 50RM note and placed it under the license and then handed both to him.
“AIYOH!! Fold the money!!
I obliged and folded the note into half and handed it to him again.
“SMALLER! HIDE THE MONEY UNDER THE LICENSE!!”
I laughed and acted blur, then did accordingly.
“THANK YOU!”
And then I drove off…


The whole scene lasted for about 5 mins and while I was there, another 5 cars were stopped. There were 3 of them.