MALAYSIANS making a trip across the Causeway are always reminded to obey local laws, in particular to be mindful not to litter. Or chew gum!
But do Singaporeans do the same when they visit Malaysia?
Do they display common courtesies or respect local laws? Judging from recent news reports on its motorists, it would appear NOT.
First, there was the case of a Maserati driver who was set upon by angry motorists after he caused a fatality when making an illegal U-turn near the Second Link.
Now, it appears more entitled driving behaviour by Singapore speed demons had resulted in another accident. This time the incident occurred in Pahang as an estimated RM1.2 mil Ferrari 458 Spider burst into flames after crashing into a barrier.
The ill-fated sports car was part of a 13-car convoy of Ferraris from the island republic which were reported to have been engaged in a spot of lawless and reckless driving.
As reported on X by MYNEWSHUB (@mynewshub), the Ferrari convoy was en route to Chearting when the 34-year-old driver of the Ferrari 458 Spider lost control and hit a divider thus causing the vehicle to be engulfed in flames.
The incident reportedly took place around 10.40am on Friday (May 16) at KM110 of Jalan Kuantan-Segamat.
Luckily for the Singapore IT engineer, he and his Hong Kong girlfriend emerged from the accident unscathed. Police were investigating the incident under Section 10 of the Road Traffic Ordinance 1959 for the driver’s alleged failure to maintain control of the vehicle.
The driver was also issued an RM300 traffic fine. This bears repeating: RM300 based on today’s (May 19) exchange rate amounts to barely S$90.50!
Is this really any sort of deterrent for such Singaporean speed demons who seem to ignore local laws and display such entitled and anti-social attitudes?
This sentiment was very much on the minds of many netizens who questioned the effectiveness of such meagre fines. One reckoned that if the same offence was committed in Singapore by a Malaysian, the offender would very likely not be allowed to return home.
A few commented that quite a number of speed demons from the island republic seem to be taking advantage of the loose laws here in Malaysia.
Some suggested that perhaps these Singaporean drivers were unfamiliar with rural trunk roads hence the mishap. If this was the case, they should be even more careful and vigilant instead of driving in a “Fast & Furious” manner.
This has gone on long enough. Far too often, Singaporean visitors treat Malaysian laws with impunity, knowing full well that the fines for the misdemeanours are “small change” to them or can even be ignored. After all, what can the authorities do once they return home?
This is when one commenter proposed a two-tier fine system whereby foreign traffic offenders are liable for heavier fines as deterrent to prevent similar incidents from recurring in Malaysia.
Perhaps it is time for stiffer penalties, especially those caught with reckless endangerment. A few weeks or months detained at His Majesty’s pleasure in the Kajang or Sungai Buloh Prison ought to do the trick. – May 19, 2025
