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The Complete Malaysia Driving and Rental Guide

High-quality roads and relatively cheap fuel price make Malaysia a pleasant country for a road trip. Travelling around Malaysia is facilitated by the fact that English is widely used in important public places, such as tourist attractions, airports, railway stations and immigration checkpoints. Here is a brief driving guide aiming at easing your mind when planning a trip to Malaysia.

  • Speed Limit and Traffic Signs
  • Seatbelt and Child Safety
  • Parking, Fuel and Toll
  • Traffic Violation
  • Driving Licence and Age Requirements

Speed Limit and Traffic Signs

Driving in Malaysia is on the left, as road and cars follow the British system. Highways or expressways feature frequent resting areas with gas stations and restaurants. Driving in the country’s largest cities such as Kuala Lumpur can sometimes be challenging due to the dense traffic and one-way roads.

Speed Limit

There are speed limits of 110 km/h on expressways, 90 km/h on state and federal roads and 60 km/h in town areas.

Traffic Signs

There are three major types of traffic signs in Malaysia: warning, regulatory and information signs. 


Warning signs are diamond-shaped and feature yellow and black colours, with a few exceptions. 

Malaysia_Traffic_Signs_Obstacles_AheadObstacles AheadMalaysia_Traffic_Signs_Climbing_LaneClimbing LaneMalaysia_Traffic_Signs_Descent_LaneDescent LaneMalaysia_Traffic_Signs_Caution_HumpCaution! HumpMalaysia_Traffic_Signs_Level_crossing_without_gate_aheadLevel Crossing Without Gate AheadMalaysia_Traffic_Signs_Level_crossing_with_gate_aheadLevel Crossing With Gate AheadMalaysia_Traffic_Signs_Caution_Accident_Area_signCaution! Accident Area Sign

Malaysian regulatory signs are usually circular with a white background, a red border, and black pictograms, and are sometimes written in Malay.

Malaysia_Traffic_Signs_Stop_SignStop Sign
Malaysia_Traffic_Signs_Stop_Children_CrossingStop, Children CrossingMalaysia_Traffic_Signs_Give_way_yieldGive way/YieldMalaysia_Traffic_Signs_No_overtakingNo OvertakingMalaysia_Traffic_Signs_Speed_LimitSpeed Limit

Malaysian information signs feature a square shape with various colour backgrounds.

Malaysia_Traffic_Signs_HospitalHospitalMalaysia_Traffic_Signs_ClinicClinicMalaysia_Traffic_Signs_Rest_and_Service_AeaRest and Service AreaMalaysia_Traffic_Signs_Information_CentreInformation Centre

You may refer to this comprehensive road signs of Malaysia.

*Please be aware that rules are subject to change. QEEQ.COM will try the best to maintain the accuracy of this information.

Seatbelt and Child Safety

Seatbelt Laws

The driver and passengers sitting in the front or rear are required by law to wear a seatbelt.

Booster Seat Laws

All children must wear a seat belt when travelling in Malaysia and it is against the law for a child under 4 years of age to sit in the front seat. At present, children are not required by law to be seated in a child car seat. However, this is is expected to be compulsory by 2019.

*Please be aware that rules are subject to change. QEEQ.COM will try the best to maintain the accuracy of this information.

Parking, Fuel and Toll

Parking

Parking areas are designated zones in Malaysia. Some parking areas are municipal and others are private. It is advisable to check with your hotel to see if there is a secure parking space in cities like Kuala Lumpur.


· Forbidden Parking


You cannot park your car in the following spaces. Failure to do so may result in a fine: 


- Specified by a ‘No-Parking’ sign with a red border, blue background and a red diagonal line, indicating this is a strict no parking area

UK_Traffic_Signs_No_waiting


- With Single and double yellow lines at the side of the road.


- On areas that are tow-away and clamping zones.

Malaysia No Parking Tow Zone(Image from veelzijdigmaleisie.nl)


· Paid Parking


Municipal parkings use metres and which need to be paid with coins. Coins accepted by parking metreers are 10 cents, 20 cents and 50 cents. Some municipal car parks do not have parking metres but collect the fee manually.

Malaysia Parking Metre(Image from media.themalaymailonline.com)

Fuel Prices

The average price for Malaysia gasoline during August to November 2017 is of 2.2 Malaysian Riggit per litre, while diesel average price is at 2.35.

Toll

Malay has abandoned cash as payment for tolls in expressways since the 14th of August 2017, and utilized Electronic Toll Collection(ETC). Touch 'n Go is the most used electronic payment options. You can purchase the Touch 'n Go Card at relevant hubs, selected petrol stations, selected PETRONAS Stations, LRT Stations and third party agents. Alternatively, you can buy one form the Touch 'n Go Sales Counters located at highways such as PLUS, ELITE, Ampang KL Elevated Highway, Penang Bridge, Besraya, SILK, Linkedua, New Pantai Expressway, Metramac and Shapadu.

Malaysia Touch 'n Go Card(Image from comparehero.my)

*Please be aware that rules are subject to change. QEEQ.COM will try the best to maintain the accuracy of this information.

Traffic Violation

DUI Laws

A driver is considered to be driving under the influence of alcohol in Malaysia if the blood alcohol level is equal to or over 0.8 grams per litre (g/l). The penalty for the offender is a fine, a court case, or sentencing with a fine and imprisonment of three months to a year depending on the severity of the offence.

Traffic Fines

Incorrect parking or speeding in Malaysia frequently result in a fine.


The speed penalties are given according to the difference of the driven speed and the enforced speed limit. Speed limit excess from 1 to 25 km/h will result in an RM80 fine, whereas an excess from 26 to 40 km/h will lead to an RM150 fine and an excess over 40 km/h will trigger an RM300 fine. 


To avoid parking fine, always look for parking metres when you have found a parking spot. Fines for failing to display a ticket in a regulated parking bay or car park are issued and collected by the Municipal Council or company responsible for the parking facility. Note that your parking or speeding fines will be collected by the car hire company and debited from your credit card if you fail to pay one. You are always welcomed to contact QEEQ' 24/7 customer service for help in if you have any questions concerning this matter. 

*Please be aware that rules are subject to change. QEEQ.COM will try the best to maintain the accuracy of this information.

Driving Licence and Age Requirements

Foreigners on short term visit may rent a car and drive with a valid foreign driving licence in Malaysia. The licence should be a full driving licence held for at least 2 years with no major endorsement. 


The minimum driving age in Malaysia is 21 years, but driving age may vary by car category. Each car hire company has its own age requirements. 

*Please be aware that rules are subject to change. QEEQ.COM will try the best to maintain the accuracy of this information.

Guest reviews

1 /
Kitty Evans

April 29, 2025

Destination: Kuala Lumpur

6Average

The service guy who speaks Chinese worked very hard.

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Eugene Priestley

April 27, 2025

Destination: Langkawi

10Excellent

Excellent

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Yehudi Back

April 27, 2025

Destination: Kuala Lumpur

10Excellent

The efficiency is too low - 30 minutes to pick up the car and 10 minutes to return it. For T2 departures, you need to allow at least an hour for returning the car, as train services are infrequent and it takes half an hour to reach T1.

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Franklin Hoover

April 25, 2025

Destination: Kuala Lumpur

10Excellent

Very satisfied

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Edmund Waters

April 24, 2025

Destination: Kota Kinabalu

4Average

The vehicle was relatively old, and the key issue is they didn’t refund the deposit. Instead of a credit card pre-authorization, the deposit was charged directly. After returning the car, they said the deposit would be refunded in 14 business days, but then they went radio silent.

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Leo MacPherson

April 16, 2025

Destination: Johor Bahru

10Excellent

Professional

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Todd Southey

April 15, 2025

Destination: Penang

10Excellent

Good

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Clark House

April 12, 2025

Destination: Kuala Lumpur

10Excellent

Pretty good, and they even waived the deposit for me.

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Ernest Montgomery

April 10, 2025

Destination: Kuala Lumpur

4Average

After arriving at the airport, no one was there holding a sign to pick us up. Before our departure, someone added us on WeChat, but after arrival, they didn't answer WeChat calls. It took 10 minutes for someone to respond, saying they were on their way and needed 20 minutes. In the end, we waited 40 minutes. The car pickup experience was poor.

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Angela Felton

April 9, 2025

Destination: Penang

8Very good

They guided us to the car pick-up building and drove the car to the ground floor.

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Michelle Vincent

April 7, 2025

Destination: Kota Kinabalu

2Poor

Do not rent a car from this company! The deposit was charged as a regular payment, and it's been over two months without a refund. I noticed many people had similar experiences based on the reviews. This seems to be a recurring issue.

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Bridget Moll

April 7, 2025

Destination: Kuala Lumpur

10Excellent

The schedule was well-arranged.

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Miranda III.

April 6, 2025

Destination: Langkawi

10Excellent

Overall very satisfied; the car pickup process was smooth. On the way to the hotel, the left mirror hit a road barrier, and there was a small scratch on the car body. The rental company took the car for assessment the day before return and provided a free ride to the airport the next day. The compensation was reasonable, and they provided a receipt from the repair shop.

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Fanny Nell

April 5, 2025

Destination: Langkawi

10Excellent

Very good

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Yvette Haydn

April 3, 2025

Destination: Langkawi

10Excellent

Excellent, seamless communication.

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Webb Thackeray

April 2, 2025

Destination: Langkawi

10Excellent

Very satisfied

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Aubrey Holmes

March 31, 2025

Destination: Kota Kinabalu

10Excellent

Pretty good.

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Christian Kingsley

March 31, 2025

Destination: Kota Kinabalu

10Excellent

Overall pretty good. There were some issues with the deposit, but everything was actively resolved.

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Joy Julian

March 30, 2025

Destination: Kuala Lumpur

10Excellent

Very satisfied

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Brandon Ivan

March 27, 2025

Destination: Kuala Lumpur

10Excellent

Great service! The staff delivered the car to the airport exit for us.

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Robert Joseph

March 26, 2025

Destination: Kota Kinabalu

10Excellent

Good

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Tina Judd

March 25, 2025

Destination: Johor Bahru

10Excellent

The staff at Johor Bahru's car rental company were warm and attentive, addressing customers' urgent needs. I originally rented the car through Ctrip, but it was never confirmed. It claimed to confirm within 12 hours, but even after 24 hours, there was no confirmation. If I canceled the order, I would have to bear the loss. I will never choose Ctrip for car rentals again.

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Stanford Garcia

March 23, 2025

Destination: Kota Kinabalu

10Excellent

Excellent

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Eileen Eveline

March 23, 2025

Destination: Bintulu

10Excellent

Extremely satisfied

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Lynn Surrey

March 23, 2025

Destination: Penang

10Excellent

Very satisfied, very helpful.

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Carl Hobbes

March 19, 2025

Destination: Kota Kinabalu

10Excellent

The staff were enthusiastic and professional, and the return process was convenient and straightforward.

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Karen Jackson

March 19, 2025

Destination: Kota Kinabalu

2Poor

Terrible experience. They overcharged for fuel. First, they claimed it was because of arriving a few minutes late to the airport, even though I had already paid the late fee. On top of that, the car delivered did not have a full tank of fuel, and I had to argue with the staff for quite a while. Eventually, they told me to refuel according to the fuel gauge. I took a photo and added 30 MYR worth of fuel, but when I returned the car, the staff deducted 25 MYR without notifying me. The attitude of this rental company was extremely poor. I waited for half an hour for the staff to arrive when returning the car. Everyone, please steer clear of this rental company. Never rent a car from them!

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Yves DeQuincey

March 18, 2025

Destination: Johor Bahru

10Excellent

Very satisfied

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Verne Cumberland

March 16, 2025

Destination: Kuala Lumpur

10Excellent

Satisfied

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Verna Howard

March 14, 2025

Destination: Penang

10Excellent

The service was excellent and communication was timely.

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Dana Frank

March 13, 2025

Destination: Kuala Lumpur

10Excellent

Good

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Scott Tate

March 12, 2025

Destination: Penang

10Excellent

Very satisfied. I rented a 2020 car but was given a nearly new 2024 car with just over 7,000 kilometers on it. The staff provided excellent service.

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Gemma Shaw

March 9, 2025

Destination: Johor Bahru

10Excellent

Very satisfied

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Marian Jessie

March 8, 2025

Destination: Kuala Lumpur

4Average

Refunding the deposit is really problematic. Other companies use pre-authorization, but this one insists on charging the credit card. It's better to avoid this car rental company.

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Shirley James

March 8, 2025

Destination: Kuala Lumpur

10Excellent

Pretty good.

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Rosalind Black

March 7, 2025

Destination: Kuala Lumpur

10Excellent

Very satisfied! This car is just right for a family of five.

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Benjamin Lowell

March 7, 2025

Destination: Penang

10Excellent

Very satisfied

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Phyllis Morgan

March 1, 2025

Destination: Kuala Lumpur

10Excellent

Very satisfied, everything went smoothly.

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Dave Will

March 1, 2025

Destination: Langkawi

6Average

The car key is somewhat different from those in China; the lock button is on the logo. Apart from the cheap price, the service speed is much slower and less professional compared to major cities in China. The staff failed to prepare the baby seat in advance, which caused a one-hour delay before we could drive away. The process for picking up and returning the car is very slow, possibly due to the local work pace.

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Jamie Wolf

February 28, 2025

Destination: Kota Kinabalu

10Excellent

The car rental service was excellent.

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Emma Craigie

February 27, 2025

Destination: Kuala Lumpur

4Average

Terrible experience. Both pickup and drop-off were troublesome. The deposit was charged to the credit card instead of pre-authorization, and it's been a month without a refund.

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Werner Bloomer

February 26, 2025

Destination: Penang

10Excellent

Very satisfied.

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Sabrina Salome

February 25, 2025

Destination: Kuala Lumpur

2Poor

I rented a Toyota Veloz at a high price, but Century provided me with a local car, Perodua Alza.

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Pamela Douglas(s)

February 24, 2025

Destination: Kuala Lumpur

4Average

I found out that picking up the car after 5 PM incurs a charge of 150 MYR. I was only 5 minutes late, at 5:05 PM, but they still insisted on charging me. I feel extremely angry. Firstly, I was just 5 minutes late. Secondly, the fee is very unreasonable. It feels like they are trying to make money off situations like this.

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Perry Lytton

February 24, 2025

Destination: Kuala Lumpur

10Excellent

Excellent

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Audrey Turner

February 24, 2025

Destination: Kuala Lumpur

8Very good

In the indicated parking building, you need to take the elevator down one floor, which was not clearly explained.

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Burton Dewar

February 23, 2025

Destination: Kuala Lumpur

10Excellent

The company is very professional, and the Malay guy was very nice.

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Webb Thackeray

February 23, 2025

Destination: Kuala Lumpur

10Excellent

The car was in excellent condition.

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Tom Funk

February 22, 2025

Destination: Langkawi

10Excellent

Very smooth, excellent.

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Brian Clara

February 22, 2025

Destination: Kuala Lumpur

10Excellent

Very good.

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Best car rental deals in Malaysia

Best rates found by QEEQ users in the last 30 days.

Frequently asked questions

Q1.What is an insurance excess?

The excess is the amount you'll only be liable for in case of damage(under Collision Damage Waiver) or theft(under Theft Protection) of the vehicle.
Information about the excess will be clearly stated in the price inclusion when you reserve a car on QEEQ.

Q2. How can I add an addtional driver?

You are advised to make a request upon your arrival at the rental counter. Additional charge per day will incur unless '1 Additional Driver Included' is stipulated on the rental.
Please note that the same licence and age requirement applys to the additonal driver. The addtional driver is supposed to present the required licence document along with the main driver at pickup.

Q3.What if I want to pick up or drop off my rental car out of office hours?

QEEQ will show you the car offers available at your chosen time on the search results.
However, pick-up or drop-off out of general opening hours may subject to an extra fee unless self-service pick-up or drop-off is available.
After you reserve a car on QEEQ, we will inform you of specific policy of the car hire company by email.

Q4. Can I take the hired car to another country or cross border?

If you want to pick up your car in one country and drop it in another, your search results will show you cars you can do that with.
If you're planning to cross any borders during your trip, bear in mind:
1. You may have to pay more.
There are often extra fees, taxes or additional cover you'll pay at the car hire counter.
2.It may not be allowed.
Depending on where you're hiring, you may not be able to take your car to another country.
Please email us if you want to take your hire car into a different country during your trip, and we'll talk you through your options.

Q5. Can I pick up my car at one location and return it at different location?

Yes. You can pick up the vehicle in one place and drop it off in another. An ‘one-way fee’ will incur. Whether it is inclued in the rental price or what additional cost may arise will be clearly stated at the time of booking on QEEQ.
Please inform the car hire company of your drop-off location when you pick up the vehicle or contact them directly during your trip. You will find a phone number on the rental agreement you signed at pickup.

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