Travelling to JB during the March holidays? Follow these tips to protect yourself and your car

[UPDATED, March 17]: 

Malaysia announced on Monday (March 16) that it will be implementing a lockdown for two weeks from March 18 to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. 

It will be barring its citizens from travelling overseas, and restrictions will be imposed on the entry of tourists to Malaysia.

Read more here.

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The March holidays have come, and many Singaporeans will definitely be planning a trip to JB for some much-needed R&R. Here are some tips to protect not only yourself but your car as well.

If you don't already know by now, Johor Bahru is seen as a haven for many Singaporeans - an affordable escape from the high-cost of living and their humdrum routine.

From cheap massages to scrumptious hawker food, you simply can't deny the pull that JB has over many of us.

Although many consider JB a playground, we should still be smart and take care of our personal safety. This is especially the case for those who drive across the Causeway, as Singapore cars are known to be targeted by crime syndicates and car thieves.

If you are planning a short trip to our Northern neighbours this March holiday, these tips might serve you well.

1. ADOPT A FOUR-LAYERED CAR PROTECTION APPROACH

Did you know one vehicle goes missing every 26 minutes in Malaysia? In fact, Singaporean cars are often a target for crime syndicates.

To prevent car theft from happening to you, the Vehicle Theft Reduction Council of Malaysia has recommended a four-layered car protection approach when driving into Malaysia.

1st Layer - Common Sense: Avoid driving or parking your vehicle in secluded areas. It's better to trust your gut feeling on this. If you don't feel safe, simply drive away or park elsewhere. Drivers are also advised to secure their vehicle, even for brief periods. This can be done by removing their keys from the ignition, locking all doors and windows, parking in well-lit or populated areas, and hiding valuables from plain sight. This includes removing your Cashcard from your IU unit.

2nd Layer - Warning Devices: These devices can come in the form of audible alarms, steering wheel locks, brake pedal locks, and gear locks. If a car thief spots these devices, he might think twice before attempting to steal your car.

3rd Layer - Immobilising Devices: If warning devices fail, immobilising electronic devices such as kill switches, fuse cut-offs, and ignition disablers will prevent or stall car thieves from driving away in your vehicle.

4th Layer - Tracking Devices: When all else fails, GPS tracking devices can allow you and the authorities to track your car's location if it is stolen.

2. ENSURE YOU HAVE PROPER INSURANCE COVERAGE IN MALAYSIA

If you drive to Malaysia frequently, it would be advisable to get a car insurance policy that offers coverage across the Causeway. Afterall, accidents can occur anytime and the last thing you want is to be uninsured for damages or theft.

If you are unsure about your coverage, do give your insurance company a call to verify your policy. In most cases, additional coverage may not be included in your main policy and has to be added to enhance your existing coverage.

3. LEAVE YOUR LUXURY CAR IN SINGAPORE

Singaporeans love flaunting their wealth and driving a luxury car is definitely one way of doing so. However, when it comes to driving up north, we highly recommend leaving your beloved BMW or Mercedes in Singapore lest you wish it to be stolen.

Not only will a luxury car draw the attention of car thieves, but it also tells them that you have cash to spare. For those unaware, there have been cases of Singaporeans being tailed and robbed in Malaysia. These victims were either held ransom or had their valuables stolen from their vehicles.

If you want to blend in with the crowd, driving an economy car would be the safest bet.

4. GIVE WAY TO RECKLESS DRIVERS AND TAILGATERS

Malaysians are known to be aggressive drivers, more so than us Singaporeans. Although you may not want to "lose" to them on the road, remember that you are on their "turf", and the Malaysian police are likely to side them in the event of a confrontation or dispute.

If you do come across a reckless driver or tailgater, remember to keep your head down and give ample space for them to drive past. Remember - any disagreement will likely not be in your favour. That is why it's always better to err on the side of caution instead.

ALSO READ: Make the jam worth it - 10 places to visit in JB that is not City Square or KSL

5. ENSURE YOUR VEHICLE IS ROADWORTHY BEFORE YOUR TRIP

Passport? Check! Luggage? Check! Inflated tyres? Erm...

When was the last time you checked your tyres, or your car's engine oil level? We are pretty sure a flat tyre or an engine that won't start will put a damper on your holiday plans.

Although there are many workshop options in JB to choose, how many of these places can you actually trust? Afterall, dishonest workshops and shady mechanics are a dime a dozen, especially in JB.

In fact, getting a reliable tow truck service to assist you can even be a major headache, especially if they know you are from Singapore. To prevent any unpleasant surprises from happening, be sure to get a trusted mechanic to inspect your vehicle before making the drive across the Causeway.

This article was first published in Motorist.