The NSE was declared open by the then Malaysian Prime Minister Dr Sri Mahathir Mohamad in September 1994, although it had been operational since February, 15 months ahead of schedule. Built at a cost of MYR$6 billion, the 848-km expressway cuts across eight Malaysian states along the entire West Coast of the Peninsular. The southern track cuts through paddy fields, oil palm estates and pineapple plantations, while the northern one goes through dramatic granite hills, with massive rocks lining both sides of the expressway. There are 18 rest and service areas (RSAs), located every 50 to 100 kms, with facilities like food stalls, toilets, parking and telephones. Some even have souvenir shops and produce markets.
To get on the expressway, head east from the Causeway check-point and follow the coastal road, looking for signs pointing to the Expressway. Alternatively, using the Tuas link you will be joined onto the expressway seamlessly, this may be an easier route as you avoid Johor Bahru traffic.
The Second Link
This is the most recent addition to the NS . The Second Link is designed to bypass Johore Bahru and take traffic directly onto the Singaporean and Malaysian expressways.This makes it the ideal route if you are heading further north than Southern Johore to places like Muar, Malacca, KL etc.
The Kuala Lumpur bypass
Until this was completed the NSE used to drop its traffic into downtown KL. If you are not staying in KL the bypass will save a significant amount of time. The bypass takes traffic out towards Port Klang and the international Airport - look for signs directing you onto Ipoh the next major stop. Going into KL the NSE makes a loop into downtown KL before moving up north, which means that you could be caught in a jam along the 13-km stretch for about an hour.
Tapah to Ipoh
Further north the 30.3 km stretch between Tapah and Ipoh was the most expensive (MYR$20 million to build), the most scenic, and the most dangerous, with climbing roads and horse-shoe bends. Good for the keen drivers but be wary of your fellow motorists and trucks.
Exits
Exits to the main towns are generally on the left, watch out for signs placed 1 km and 500 m prior to the turn-off.
Emergencies
If your car should breakdown, do not panic. There are emergency phones located every 2 km. Because there have been instances of motorists on the old trunk road being taken for an expensive ride by freelance mechanics, the highway company (PLUS) runs a 24-hour free emergency service. Only they are allowed to do repairs on the highway. These mechanics in yellow PLUS vehicles do free minor repairs, recharge batteries, and can tow your car to the nearest RSA if major repairs are needed. Off the freeway the Automobile Association of Singapore (see Links) has reciprocal arrangements with its Malaysian cousin.
Relax-lah? Would you believe road rage is alive and well on the Freeway.Not at the level of Los Angeles or the UK but nevertheless present.
The worst incidences I have seen are where a speeding driver meets a self-righteous motorist - pulling into or staying in the overtaking lane at exactly the speed limit as faster cars approach is dangerous and foolish. The speed differences can be great. Other drivers are then put at risk as the two opponents joust and typically no one really comes off a winner. In some countries the self-righteous driver would be booked for dangerous driving.
Your speed should reflect the road conditions (which includes other motorists) and you should keep left unless overtaking.
Don't stop at the fruit stalls with big umbrellas, however tempting the durians are - it is a traffic offence to stop along the expressway shoulders.
Slow down as you approach slow moving traffic. Malaysian Drivers rarely use their indicators when they change lanes, and cars do wander. Buses and trucks will also sometimes pull abruptly into the outer lane particularly when overtaking each other. It is easy to underestimate the difference in speed between your car and these prehistoric leviathans.
Speeding is a popular recreation on the NSE for both repressed Singaporean motorists and Malaysian drivers with big engined or exotic machinery. When overtaking keep a good eye on the rear view mirror - many of these kings of the road use all the common Euro driving techniques so look for flashing lights and indicators. Make sure you indicate also - better to forget about kiasu and start thinking about getting to your destination in one piece.
Watch out for Rainstorms, which can be sudden and heavy, both visibility and traction can be severely impaired.
To assist Drivers who are unsure if they have outstanding speeding fines the Malaysian government has this site which is a search service for outstanding fines. It can work by either IC or Car registration number and accepts both Malaysian and Singaporean Car numbers (unsure about Singaporean ICs - but as it can search on car number its not that important).
