When taking an express bus

I just returned from a short holiday and had good time learning from Habib, who drives an express shuttle between Singapore and Malacca. Having sat in front, I had a good chat with him throughout on both going and return journeys.

If you have taken an express coach in Malaysia, you would have noticed your captain using his hand to signal buses and trucks in the opposite direction while on the highway. It is a common practice for drivers to check on their fellow road users to make sure they don't fall asleep while at the wheel. The disadvantage is that you cannot use it at night.


This means "hello". If the driver in the opposite direction waves back, it also means that he is alert and fine.

When a driver in the opposite direction waves at you, you have to wave back to show that you are alert and fine. It is also taken as a "hello" greeting. If the driver taps a few times on his steering wheel, it means you have to slow down. You are either moving too fast or there is an accident ahead of you. If the driver shows you an "L" signal, it means "radar" and there is a speed trap in front.

Coach drivers do not flash their high beams at their oncoming counterparts as it may send conflicting signals. Sending a double flash may warn you of a speed trap ahead, but the driver could also have been signaling the vehicle in front to move faster or to keep left.