Living
Traffic Accidents
Accidents are an all-too-frequent occurrence on Malaysia’s roads, and KL is no exception. While most of these accidents are minor shunts involving little damage to people or property, there are also many fatalities. In 2006 there were 341,252 road accidents reported in Malaysia, resulting in 6,287 fatalities. Although there are no particular accident hotspots in the city, rain always increases the chance of a collision. When driving you should always have your licence with you, as failing to produce it when asked is an offence.
If you’re involved in a minor accident where no one is injured, it’s common practice to settle the matter immediately at the scene, with the party at fault paying for the damage. If you don’t reach an agreement you must report the accident to the police within 24 hours and notify your insurance company if you intend to claim. You will need a copy of the police report in order to make a claim.
If the accident is more serious and someone is injured, call the police on 999. Make the accident scene as safe as possible by using hazard lights to warn other drivers, and keep your car headlights on if it’s dark. Make sure no one smokes around an accident scene to reduce the risk of fire or explosion. You must make a police report within 24 hours if a person has been injured or killed, or if livestock are involved in an accident and the owner is not present.
You should take down the name, address, vehicle registration number and insurance details of the other vehicle, and give your details when asked. Get details of any witnesses if possible and take pictures of the scene if you have a camera with you. You should not admit liability – once the police arrive they will assess the situation and ask you to make a report at the station.
If you’re involved in an accident in a rural area the advice commonly given is not to stop or get out of your vehicle. You should drive straight to the nearest police station and report the incident. See Crime for more information.
In KL you should report traffic accidents to the Traffic Police – this office is at Jalan Tun HS Lee in Chinatown, and is open 24 hours.
Although KL traffic can be frustrating, the incidence of road rage is remarkably low. It’s better to just let things go rather than stress about bad driving.
There is a points system in operation for traffic offences. Points stay on your licence for one year and if you accumulate more than 15 in a year you’ll lose your licence for six months. See Driving for more details.
If you’re involved in a minor accident where no one is injured, it’s common practice to settle the matter immediately at the scene, with the party at fault paying for the damage. If you don’t reach an agreement you must report the accident to the police within 24 hours and notify your insurance company if you intend to claim. You will need a copy of the police report in order to make a claim.
If the accident is more serious and someone is injured, call the police on 999. Make the accident scene as safe as possible by using hazard lights to warn other drivers, and keep your car headlights on if it’s dark. Make sure no one smokes around an accident scene to reduce the risk of fire or explosion. You must make a police report within 24 hours if a person has been injured or killed, or if livestock are involved in an accident and the owner is not present.
You should take down the name, address, vehicle registration number and insurance details of the other vehicle, and give your details when asked. Get details of any witnesses if possible and take pictures of the scene if you have a camera with you. You should not admit liability – once the police arrive they will assess the situation and ask you to make a report at the station.
If you’re involved in an accident in a rural area the advice commonly given is not to stop or get out of your vehicle. You should drive straight to the nearest police station and report the incident. See Crime for more information.
In KL you should report traffic accidents to the Traffic Police – this office is at Jalan Tun HS Lee in Chinatown, and is open 24 hours.
Although KL traffic can be frustrating, the incidence of road rage is remarkably low. It’s better to just let things go rather than stress about bad driving.
There is a points system in operation for traffic offences. Points stay on your licence for one year and if you accumulate more than 15 in a year you’ll lose your licence for six months. See Driving for more details.
