With the borders now wide open and travelling made easier, more and more people are discussing and planning to go overseas.
One of the easiest countries to enter without needing much planning is our neighbour Malaysia, as the country is just a short bridge away from Singapore.
Singapore Uncensored ask several Singaporeans what are the things they worried about the most when travelling to Malaysia or other countries and here are the responses.
Robbery and Petty Crime
Crime rates are higher compared to Singapore but it is really not as bad as one would imagine. Just think of the people commuting daily to work in Singapore.
A Malaysian told Singapore Uncensored: “Just don’t appear to be flashy and don’t wear jewellery or branded stuff, you will be safe”
Vehicle Theft
In Malaysia, vehicle theft is common. According to statistics reported by the Vehicle Theft Reduction Council of Malaysia Bhd or known as VTRERC, they published a study stating that in year 2020 every 75 mins a vehicle is stolen countrywide.
A local Malaysian said that “No matter how old is your vehicle, always use a steering wheel lock and park in well-lit areas”
The steering wheel lock acts as a deterrent as carjackers will realise that it will take a longer time to steal the vehicle, therefore, giving up and looking for another target.
Kidnap
This is a crime that is very rare in Singapore but not unheard of in Malaysia.
Back in November 2021, a 13-year-old girl escapes from a kidnap attempt right in front of her school, reported Malay Mail.
The victim was taken onto a vehicle and drove for 400 meters before the young girl escaped.
Here is a statement published by the Malaysian Police:
“Police received a report on the attempted kidnapping incident that went viral on social media and investigations found that after the victim got down from her school van, she was approached by a man driving a Perodua Kancil car asking her to deliver a form to the school.
“The man then asked the victim to get in the car but she refused. The victim was then dragged into the vehicle and the suspect then off before the girl managed to escape about 400m away from the scene of the incident,”
Corrupted cops
This is nothing new and most veteran drivers going to Malaysia will always prepare a small amount of spare cash in the car.
This is also known infamously as the “Kopi money”.
A Singaporean once shared an incident at Johor Bahru Pelangi stating that a Malaysian Police gave up after realising that he could not get money out of it.
“I was at Pelangi and I made a U-turn, moments later a Police stop me and told me that I made an illegal U-turn. I straight away told him I have no money and its no problem if he issued me with a ticket.
The officer step away from the vehicle and discussed with two other Police officers before returning and said “You are free to go”