Three quarters of the human body is said to consist of water or H2O. That’s why, a doctor will always advise a patient to drink lots of water if a person is down with high temperatures.

Likewise, a vehicle needs water in its system if it is to function well. Motorists I’m sure are aware that a vehicle needs petrol if it is to be able to run or move. But how many motorists realize that a car or vehicle without water will also be unable to function as well.

What will happen to the millions of vehicles in this planet if one day the world should run short of water? Assuming that all our rivers, lakes and seas should one day run dry and we end up being unable to provide simple, plain water that are so necessary for our car “radiators” or “tangki” air as it is called in Bahasa Malaysia.

Talking about our vehicles and the water that they need to make it run or move, if the world should one day run short of water, do you know that only one car or vehicle in the world will be able to keep on moving in this planet?

While all other cars, Datsuns, Toyotas, Daimlers, BMWs, Mercedes, Protons, Audis and so forth will stop in their strides, only one vehicle will be able to keep on moving. Even if this vehicle were to be sent to the planet “moon”, it is said, it can still keep on going. And the vehicle is said to be none other than the Volkswagen!

The “Volks” is a car of German production. A former school teacher of my secondary school days at Anglo Chinese Secondary School in Jalan Raya Barat, Klang, once told us that German dictator Adolf Hitler commissioned the world’s most renowned car engineer, Ferdinand Porsche, to build him a car that world cost ￡50 during the 2nd World War. Only someone like the genius, Porsche could come up with a car like the “Beetle”. The rest is history.

The Volkswagen or the “Beetle” is the only vehicle in the world that does not need a radiator. As such, it does not need any water. Then, how does a Volks overcome the problem of “overheating” as faced by other vehicles on the road? Well, the Volks is said to possess an air cooled system which eliminates the necessity of a radiator, which all other cars require.

My small 660 c.c. ten years old vehicle, which I use to provide driving instructions to my students, quite recently went haywire and its cooling system developed heating problems. As a seasoned driver, I’m sure you’ll be able to understand what the above means.

If the “temperature meter” of your vehicle should rise above the half way marks, you should rightly feel apprehensive about it. However, should the temperature meter rise to three quarters or even H, you should then stop driving.

Allow me to provide a little bit of advice regard radiators. Most radiators are connected to a plastic container which holds ordinary water. The radiator is said to siphon water from this small container should the car temperatures rise abnormally.

Speaking about radiators, if the temperature reaches H or Hot, do not attempt to open the radiator cap. Attempting to open the radiator cap while the radiator is hot will be a danger to you. The hot water emancipating from the radiator will scald you and cause you severe injuries. Motorists are advised to allow the radiator unit to cool before attempting to open the radiator cap.

Another advice which you should be given is do not attempt to pour in cold water into a radiator that’s hot. This will not only cause the radiator gasket to be spoilt too. On top of that, the engine block will undergo “warping” and massive engine malfunction will result. Eventually, your vehicle engine will have to undergo extensive repairs, which will cost you a hefty sum of money.

A Kancil car, with its small engine, has a tiny radiator unit which holds no more than 1½ litres of water. That’s what my current mechanic, Ah Siang, 35, whose workshop is located at the 2nd mile, Kapar Road, Klang told me. The above mechanic was formerly attached to Datsun Motors Malaysia. His extensive training at Datsun service outlets makes Ah Siang an experienced and good mechanic.

I am of the opinion that the above mechanic is well worth his salt. According to Ah Siang, be it be known, that “auto” cars have larger radiator units, that is about 2 litres of water, in its radiator system. Well, at least now you know.

Pertaining to my Kancil 660 c.c. vehicle sustaining heating problems, it should be told to readers that if a vehicle radiator’s system overheats, the engine will eventually seize and the vehicle will finally stall. When such a thing happens, the pistons will seize or jam up. When this happens, motorists are advised to stop at the side of the road and wait for the temperatures to subside before attempting to start the car again.

Do not attempt to crank start the engine too many times. This is because you might weaken the Kancil’s small battery. If this happens, you will have no other alternative but to jump start your car. All in all, it will be a tremendous hassle.

Referring to my Kancil’s radiator woes, as a matter of fact, when the above vehicle developed overheating problem earlier, I had already sent it for a radiator wash. But unfortunately, the above procedure failed to eliminate its heating problems and woes. The radiator in question needed to have its water levels checked on a daily basis. This brought about tremendous hassle.

Water from the radiator seems to be either escaping or leaking from the radiator unit. To check water leakage is no easy task.

Requests made to my battery man at his shop, finally led him to advise me that the radiator stopper located at the bottom of the radiator, appears to be leaking. A few days after the radiator stopper was replaced, everything went well. Finally the temperature meter became normal and the temperatures remained low and normal.

However, a few days later, the radiator unit of my Kancil again went berserk. This time, I had no other alternative but to seek out Ah Siang, the Datsun mechanic. Ah Siang gave my radiator an extensive look out to try and determine where my radiator was leaking.

At first Ah Siang was at a loss as to what it was that my radiator was experiencing. Ah Siang finally used a radiator measuring water pump to finally locate where my radiator was leaking. The radiator pressure pump was finally able to assist Ah Siang locate where the radiator was actually leaking.

Where was the radiator leaking this time around? It was leaking at the radiator stopper which my battery shop friend replaced a week ago. With some pipe repair tape, Ah Siang finally showed my problem of water leaking from my Kancil’s radiator.

And how much I had to pay for the above service? RM30 inclusive of 1 litre of black oil, which had to be inserted into my engine compartment that Saturday evening.

Two days have gone by since my mechanic friend last performed his fantastic feat on my Kancil’s radiator. The temperature meter has yet to go up to H; it is in my opinion, a job well done! My thanks to my mechanic friend, Ah Siang for solving my radiator woes.

Any driver or motorcyclist should know that to drive a vehicle or ride a machine without a valid license, contravenses Section 26 (1) of the Road Transport Act 1987. Likewise, it is also an offence if one’s driving license is “invalid” or “expired”.

Driving with an expired or invalid license will incur insurance companies refusing to provide or reject insurance coverage to vehicles should accidents take place.

In view of the above, Malaysian motorists and motorcyclists should be aware of having valid driving license whilst they are driving. We have to ensure that we renew our driving license and make sure that our vehicles have the proper insurance coverage and road taxes. It is the “onus” therefore of each individual driver and motorcyclist to ascertain that everything is in its proper order.

However, the authorities, very recently announced a new proposal to assist the motoring public to help them remember the “expiry” dates of their driving licenses. It was announced, that the authorities will soon be introducing a plan whereby driving licenses of Malaysian will be readjusted to coincide with a person’s date of birth date or “birthday”.

This, the authorities firmly believe, will go on to ensure that no driver or motorist will from henceforth get into trouble with the law, such as the authorities, the police and the Highway Patrol that man our highways and roads.

A good idea? You may, as motorists and drivers agree or disagree with the noble idea mooted. Although, I agree wholeheartedly with the latest proposal, and considers it a good idea, nevertheless, it feels there are more important things facing the Malaysian motoring public today that needs to be given due attention.

And in this article, examples of serious problems existing in Malaysia today, which should ideally be given the proper and immediate attention, will be highlighted. The problems are not new. Only that, the authorities have unfortunately failed to provide them due attention for such a long time.

What seems to be the “serious” problems of which I am talking about? Amongst some of the problems we are referring to must surely be:-

1. The non wearing of safety helmets as required by law in Malaysia.

Although the necessity of wearing safety helmets was introduced and made compulsory years ago, very unfortunately, this law seems to have been disregarded and ignored by many motorcyclists.

It now appears that more and more motorcyclists have chosen to ignore the safety helmet requisition. In kampungs or “villages”, housing estates, and even towns, one can easily observe how this important ruling has been disregarded. Therefore, it is about time the authorities, especially the police, take stern actions against chose who flout the law, before any unforeseen incidents take place.

2. Ferrying more than the number of pillion riders on a motorcycle.

A motorcycle intended to “carry” or “ferry” one pillion rider only. But in Malaysia, we often see motorcyclists frequently bringing more than 1 pillion rider on a motorbike. At times, we can even observe a motorcyclist ferrying two or even three pillion riders on one bike. This represents a serious offence.

The authorities, and in this case, the “police”, are implored to take strict actions upon those, especially kampong folks or those who are from the “village”, to prevent them from committing such unwarranted acts. After all, such stern actions by the authorities are intended to protect them.

3. The use of xenon lights by motorists.

Motorists should by now be aware that the use of “xenon” lights is prohibited. As explained by the Road Transport Department or Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan (JPJ), it has reiterated that only “original” xenon lights which are factory fitted or in other words those xenon lights which are not modified by “accessory” shops, are permitted to be use.

But the saddest thing of all is that I feels, more and more motorists are beginning to use “xenon” lights. The problem has infact gone out of hand.

Unless, strict or stern actions are taken against owners of such bright, blinding lights on vehicles, there will come a time when the above problem will reach a stage whereby it is no longer controllable. When it reaches such a stage, it will then be next to impossible take any actions against the use of xenon lights in this country. The authorities should think about this problem seriously and take immediate actions to address the problem now itself.

4. Not adhering to the traffic lights system.

Motorists, especially motorcycle riders are very good of ignoring the traffic lights system that exists in this country. The problem comes about, as a result of drivers, especially motorcyclists, who are poorly disciplined. In fact, such motorcyclists have no discipline at all.

What should be done? The authorities who are responsible to enforce such laws, especially the police and the Road Transport Department should take immediate and strict actions upon those who disregard traffic lights. Fines which are presently imposed, should be made stricter. Licenses of those who break the traffic rules, should be withdrawn immediately.

The Automated Enforcement System (AES) which the authorities announced is to be implemented at all busy traffic lights in town, should be put in place as soon as possible. For readers who unaware, in the A.E.S, c.c.t.v cameras will be installed at all busy road junctions and other traffic congested areas to nab those who beat the traffic lights system.

5. Non usage of hands-free sets while driving.

Not using a hands-free set whilst driving contravenses the Road Transport Act 1987 via circular K17(A) R.T.R, the courts under Section 119 (2), can fine a person a sum of RM 300 for the above offence.

Motorists who do not have a hands-free set should ideally stop by the side of the road before continuing with their conversation. But the problem is, how many drivers will heed the advice given?

The authorities, especially the police are requested to take stern and drastic actions on drivers who use the handphone device whilst driving.

6. Illegal racing by youths.

“Illegal” racing is very prominent in this country. Under Section 81 of the Road Transport Act 1987, stern actions can be taken against those who either take part in illegal racing or “merempit” motor or organize them.

But nothing seems to be able to prevent youths of this country from partaking in this dangerous sport. Not even a hefty fine of RM 2000 or even confiscation of machines seems to be able to frighten those who are involved in illegal races from staying away from such events.

The authorities, especially the police and the Road Transport Department must come up with better ideas as to combat this scourge that is facing the nation. The inability to solve this problem has led to many youths losing their live.

Not too long ago, a friend of my daughter, met an accident with a group of 50 or so “illegal” racers at approximately 11.00 pm one night. After crashing into the car belonging to the above driver near Puchong, the “illegal” racers or “mat rempit”, as they are popularly known, broke all four windows of the victim’s car.

They then robbed him of all his money together with his handphone as well. Such incidences act as a bad publicity for the country’s image. The above “scourge” happens practically everyday all over our country. Unless something is done to alleviate the country of this worrisome problem, the future of the country appears slim.

The authorities should seriously consider drastic steps to stop the problem of illegal motor racing in this country as soon as possible. It has to be stopped right away!

Two authorities, the Police and the Road Transport Department (JPJ) represent those who are allowed to stop and check vehicles belonging to driving schools and driving institutes. In the 1960’s, and 70’s, driving institutes were not yet set up in Malaysia. In those days, the police used to stop and check driving schools vehicles too. Police personnel who ride motorcycles, police patrol cars and even at road blocks set up by them, used to take actions on driving school vehicles then.

But with the setting up of driving institutes all throughout the entire country later, the police department, I feel, has of late slackened its onslaught against vehicles which belong to the driving fraternity. One reason why the above appear to be so, is that, driving institutes, which were first set up in 1999, are today rather well run and organized according to the requirements of the Road Transport Department.

Another reason why the police have minimized their attention upon driving school vehicles these days is because most driving institutes nowadays operate legally. For the public’s information, driving institutes nowadays operate with:
i) Permits to instruct students via the S.M.I.

ii) All driving institutes’ vehicles undergo a compulsory 6 months inspection by the Puspkom authorities.

iii) Almost all driving school or institutes’ teaching staff or “instructors” are in possession of certificates to instruct or S.M.3.

iv) All driving institutes’ vehicles posses the S.M.1 certificate the S.M.2 certificate which allows the vehicles to be used to provide driving tuition to students.

With all the above certificates, the S.M.1 (permit to operate), the S.M.2 (permission to use a vehicle for instructing purposes) and the S.M.3 (certificate to instruct or teach), the police authorities in reality have hardly any fault at all to find with driving institute vehicles these days. Thus, their decision to abstain from harassing driving schools vehicles too much.

In the days before the setting up of driving institutes in Malaysia, there existed operators of driving schools which were termed as “illegal” or “haram” driving schools. Such driving schools did not posses the S.M.1 (permit to operate). Cars or vehicles used to teach students did not undergo “inspection”. Instructor also did not posses the required certificate to instruct or the S.M.3. This group of illegal driving school operators have gone into oblivion.

With the police authorities showing down its attention on driving schools or institutes those days, it now looks as if the duty to check upon vehicles being used by driving schools or institutes seems to have fallen into the hands of the Road Transport Department.

How does the JPJ keep a vigilance on driving school and institutes’ vehicles? JPJ has its team of enforcement officers and vehicles, especially Perdana and Pajero vehicles, making their rounds. The above vehicles seldom fail to stop driving school and institutes’ vehicles to check if they have the proper documents. Usually, documents such S.M.1, S.M.2 and S.M.3 are targeted. Besides these, Puspakom inspection discs and road tax are also checked thoroughly.

Most summonses, issued by the JPJ carry a fine compound of RM 300. Years ago, while I was using a Datsun 120Y to tutor my students at Taman Seri Andalas, Klang, I was stopped for a routine spot check by JPJ officers. When checked, the above vehicle was found to possess a few flaws such as:
i) Wipers not functioning properly.

ii) Not in possession of both the “side” mirrors.

iiii) Hand brakes were not in accordance with the authorities’ requirements.

All in all, 3 summonses were issued. No amount of appeals were entertained. I finally had to settle 3 summonses totaling RM 900 at the JPJ Pertaling Jaya headquarters within a span of one month.

Besides surveillance by the JPJ enforcement officers, their officers also conduct road blocks periodically at busy areas around town and housing estates. These are places frequently used by “haram” or “illegal” driving school operators to conduct their businesses.

I still remember, albeit very vaguely, being stopped by a JPJ road block team at the 3rd mile, Jalan Kapar, near the Bata Shoe Factory, one evening at approximately 7.30 p.m. My young, 17 year old female student and myself, had beaten the traffic lights at “amber”. We were instantly waved down by JPJ officers at a road block ahead. As usual, no amount of appeals seem to work. I had to fork out RM300 for the summons issued that day.

In my many years as driving school instructor, I have heard of many instances of my fellow instructors being stopped by JPJ enforcement teams. Among the offences they were pulled up for include:

i) Instructing pupils or students without the proper “L” license. In fact, this contravenes Section 26(1) of the Road Transport Act(R.T.O) 1987.

ii) Instructing more than one student in a single driving school or institute vehicle. According to rules and regulations laid down by the JPJ authorities, an instructor can only teach one student at a time. Having passengers at the rear while instructing a learner driver how to drive represents an offence.

iii) And of course, the usual offence is not having all the proper documents or papers essential to conduct a driving lesson on public roads.

Documents referred to include:
i. S.M.1 certificate(permit to run a driving school or institute business)

ii. S.M.2 certificate(which proves that driving school vehicles have undergone the proper inspection as required by Puspakom authorities.) This would include the proper “insurance” requirements in order to carry out instructions of new driving students.

iii. That students are properly attired. Slipper wearing and donning short skirts and shorts are unfortunately some of the mode of attire that are disallowed, likewise, instructors are also expected not to wear “slippers” while carrying out their duties. Lastly, instructors are also encouraged not to smoke while instructing as well.

Besides carrying out “road blocks” and “surveillance” on the roads, the JPJ often conduct “spot checks” by making visits to institutes’ premises from time to time. JPJ officers see to it that instructions given to students are conducted as per authorities’ regulations and rules.

Most important of all, driving instructors carrying out driving instructions to pupils are qualified and passes the S.M.3 certificate to teach or instruct. Even instructors, who from time to time leave their students while they are doing their parking maneuvers at the institute premises, to go to the “loo”, have been said to have been issued warning letters by JPJ officials.

In fact, one of my driving instructor colleagues, an Encik Rabani, was admonished for having stationed himself too far from his student while she was doing her parking steps. Encik Rabani, I heard, has been given a show cause letter by the JPJ, Selangor department for not carrying out his duties faithfully.

Stern actions by the JPJ authorities upon vehicles are never liked by driving schools or institutes. Nevertheless, if we were to ponder over it carefully, such actions by the authorities will infact bring about a world of good. With it, driving schools and institutes will be kept on their toes.

This augurs well, not only for the driving school industry as a whole, but also for the public as well. To the Road Transport Department (JPJ), keep up the good work!