Driving in Malaysia

Have you driven in Malaysia? Seriously, drive in Malaysia and share your experiences. If you have not, I challenge you to do so. This is not an episode of Fear Factor, and everyday affair for most Malaysians. Why because it will be an experience for everyone who has not. To those who have and still is, brace ourselves on many more to come on the road.

Before I begin about my experience, here are some general guidelines about driving in Malaysia:

“All drivers in Malaysia are required to have a valid driving licence - either a Malaysian driving licence, a foreign (e.g. UK) driving licence, or an International Driving Permit (if the foreign driving licence has been lost or is being renewed). A UK driving licence can be used in Malaysia for three months only. We therefore advise British nationals staying in Malaysia for longer than three months to get a Malaysian driving licence or an annually-renewable International Driving Permit.

There is currently no reciprocal agreement between the Governments of the UK and Malaysia on automatic conversion of each other's driving licences. British applicants therefore normally have to sit a Malaysian driving test. But the Director General of the Malaysian Road Transport Department (RTD) may, occasionally, grant a Class D Malaysian driving licence upon presentation of a valid UK licence and other relevant documents. Applications are considered on a case-by-case basis.”

Source: http://ukinmalaysia.fco.gov.uk/en/help-for-british-nationals/living-in-malaysia/general-advice/driving-in-malaysia

The one above is just a mere guideline about driving in Malaysia, wait until you actually drive in Malaysia. I have nothing against driving in Malaysia, furthermore I am a Malaysian but I really hope that Malaysians please have some courtesy on the road and be more patient.

One day after work, after going home and changing to my gym stuff, I drove back into town (this is because the gym is located on another part of town). As I was approaching the bridge, coming from a roundabout, there are two lanes. After entering the lanes, and mind you, it is the peak time for working people to be going home. Anyway, as I moved along the two lanes, I wanted to go into my right lane, this is because there is a junction ahead and some cars may be turning to the left and other cars may be turning out onto my lane. As I put my right indicator and from my right side rear mirror, I could see a MYVVI car behind me and did she (YES it was a female and a P; P for Professional perhaps?) give way for me to enter onto the right lane.

What is the outcome? Drum roll please ... ahem! The outcome is she did not allow me to enter onto the right lane. And whatever reason, no idea. Is it so wrong to give way to some drivers on the road? It just winds me up thinking that I have done the correct thing and being careful and considerate and yet other is so inconsiderate.

And have you seen how Malaysians park their cars? I wonder are they considerate or just bloody selfish. Some drivers park in places where it is meant for two cars!

Another incident and I was returning from the gym, and as I turn left leading to my house. There was a Toyota Avanza parked on the left and a small pickup truck on the right. Now it was quite narrow for me to drive through so I decided to honk to ask the driver to move so that I can pass through. After honking a couple of times, no one came out, so I decided to keep honking. At last, after few minutes, someone did appear and lo and behold, he was not a happy chap and showing signs with his hands like it’s not narrow and you can pass and whinging like an inconsiderate person. And all this happen in a residential area.

This is just a few encounters on the road, I know there are more. If I decide to list all of them, I will not have any space left :)

If you have any experience, please do not hesitate to share or comment :)

Coffee? Kopi? Brew?

Coffee is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world. It is prepared from the roasted seeds – commonly referred to as beans – of the coffee plant, and is usually served hot but can also be served cold. A typical 7 fluid ounce (ca. 207 mL) cup of coffee contains 80-140 milligrams of caffeine, depending on the method of preparation. Coffee represents 71% of all the United States caffeine consumption followed by soft drinks and tea. Coffee, along with tea and water, is one of the most frequently-drunk beverages, its volume amounting to about a third that of tap water. In 2003, coffee was the world's sixth largest agricultural export in terms of value, behind wheat, maize, soybeans, palm oil and sugar. (Source:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coffee [Accessed on 30 November 2006]).

Coffee or “kopi” (in my native language) is a hot drink for many of us whether it is in the morning, mid-day, evening or night time. Many of use drink it as a “wake up” drink in the morning. As for me, it became a habit of drinking coffee in the morning else it will be “no coffee, not awake”. For those of you who know me or knew me, I never drank coffee in my life. This is because the smell of coffee is too strong for me. However, after being in England for about two months, I started drinking coffee because all the sudden I dislike drinking tea. I had to drink coffee in the morning because I believe that it will sort of wake me up and had me going for the day. Kenco, Nescafe, Cafe Nero, Costa Cofee, all sorts of coffee I have drank but all I can think of is White Coffee in Ipoh. While doing my assignments, the urge to drink coffee was there and before I knew it, I already had my fifth cup! The more I drank coffee, the more I kept doing my assignments and trying to complete them. Was coffee a drug to me? YES it was because all I ever wanted to do was drink coffee ! However, after submitting my assignments, my drinking coffee habits were gone. All the sudden, I felt less "hyper" - this is probably I drank less caffeine and had more sleep.

However, for the moment, I do drink coffee but its only in the morning just to get me up and going. So, when I get back and at the makan (food) stalls, "Satu Kopi-O" or "Satu Nescafe Ice" :)

'Till my next writings .... going to get some rest.

Entrance

This is my first entry for my blog on Friendster site transfer to Blogger. What can I say or write here? Pratically anything I assume and my thoughts to the rest of the web world or anyone who finds this interesting to read. I am currently in United Kingdom, north west to be exact. The reason I am in England is because I have just completed my studies and in the midst of planning what to do next. I do not know what lies ahead for me but I have faith that God will guide me and I am forever grateful to Him.

I am preparing to keep myself warm for this coming winter because the last winter was awful as it was cold and windy. It is typical British weather. I do miss the weather back home which is sunny all the time although it can rain like "cats and dogs". Even though it rains, I could just get in my car to take me anywhere, its the opposite here. I walked everywhere and at times on a bicycle. The last I rode a bicycle was when I was 17 and on my way for my piano lesson. Alas! I fell down while riding it and told myself that I will never ride a bicycle again. At the moment, I rely on my bicycle to take me to the gym (surprise surprise yes I have joined a gym).

Going to get some rest now. Hopefully I will write more. 'Till then good night.