Simple guide to overlanding Malaysia. I’m happy to edit/add/delete information from anyone who is willing to provide information.

Version 1.0 | Nov 11 2017

1. Border Info
2. Route through M'sia
3. Toll Info
4. Petrol/R&Rs/Toilets
5. Speeding/Police Stops
6. Bribery, Crime & Safety
7. Accidents/Breakdowns/Spares
8. Understand M'sian Roads/Drivers
9. Which GPS to use
10. Simcard for Phones
11. Currency Exchange/ATM
12. Culture & Language
13. Off-road
14. Camping/Hotels/Lodging
15. Weather/Environment
16. More about Singapore

Section 1 - Borders

a. Thailand/Malaysia

There are plenty of borders between Malaysia and Thailand. A great guide that explains all in detail is from RiderChris > https://www.riderchris.com/info/mala...rder-crossing/. It is a very straight process to get through the different borders if you have the required paperwork. The booths are big enough for large motorcycles and all manners of vehicles. The most commonly used border is between Danok and Bukit Kayu Hitam which will then lead you directly into the main highway of Malaysia (The North South Highway or E2). The booths are usually quite messy, there isn’t an obvious flow so you need to ensure you get your passport stamped, get your permit checked before entry on your own.

There are cases where the customs officer wasn’t around and drivers just went through, not knowing what else they should have done. Plenty of problems arose when they tried to exit Malaysia. I’ve had this happen to my friend where their passport was not chopped even though the officers went through it. Problems were compounded as they were from Hong Kong.

b. Malaysia/Singapore

There are 2 border. If you are using the Main highway (North South Highway or E2) to travel across Malaysia, it will lead you to both borders, but Tuas will be situated nearer to this E2 highway. Both tolls have crowds during peak hours and saturday morning or sunday evenings but Woodlands crowds are much higher.

To check traffic conditions, you can use this website > Traffic Cameras (Live) Woodland Tuas Checkpoint Causeway Singapore Johor LTA

b1. Gelang Patah/Tuas

The best border to use in my opinion. It’s less crowded and smoother for both motorcycles and cars. Large bikes have no problems here and it’s generally very easy. Take note you will need to purchase a Touch n Go Toll card for tolls. See below for more info on tolls. Bicycles not allowed here.

b2. JB/Woodlands

The other border crossing is between Johor Bahru/Woodlands. This border is used extensively by locals to go to work, school, party and thus it’s always buzzing with activity. Your bike may not go through some lanes, so you have to pick the right ones or park aside and get your passport chopped before heading to the last lane which is big enough for most bikes.

I dislike this toll because the small bikes move at very high speeds, and the lanes have walls which constrict movement especially for big bikes. They’ll buzz around you and may disorient you. Move slowly and confidently and let them pass on the right. Don’t be intimidated to move faster. There are some potholes, grated drains etc that will mess up your trip. Bicycles can use this toll only. The route through the customs is also poorly designed, with plenty of turns and slopes. This border was only recently ‘renovated’ as the border was moved backwards towards the city, hence the poor overall design.

Note - Bringing of drugs into Singapore is a huge crime, and death penalty is given very frequently. MJs are also not tolerated.

Section 2 - Route

a. Main Highway

The main artery North South Highway is approximately 900km long from border to border. It is very possible to finish this stretch in a single day at speeds of 120 to 130km/h, but most people split it into 2 days. On bigger stretches towards the cities, the highway have up to 4 lanes on each side, but generally it’s about 2 lanes each both ways. Road conditions for NS Highway are excellent, but there are some obstacles at times, which include (but not limited to) dead carcasses, burst tires, temporary barriers etc.. So just look ahead as best as you can. The speed limit is 110km/h at most sections.

From Ipoh towards Kuala Lumpur, the road hugs the mountain sides so it becomes very windy, and speeds become lower (about 80 to 90) but aside from this area, it’s plenty of straights and some minor bends.


b. Secondary Highway

It is entirely possible to skip the highway and go through Malaysia using only B-Roads. Even at much lower speeds, 2 days is also possible with frequent stops included (I did it on a motorcycle). Even the smaller highways are well maintained, however, some potholes still appear here and there at smaller, less frequented areas. The B-Roads will take you through the smaller towns and sometimes villages, and you will see plenty of greens, mountains, plantations etc etc. You are spoilt for choice as you can take the west coast or east coast, or even down through the centre.

Summary : Fastest and easiest, but really boring.

b1. West Coast

Padang Besar > Penang > Selangor > Melaka > Muar > Batu Pahat > Tuas

Summary > You’ll bypass Penang and Melaka which are rich cultural zones (and touristy)

b2. East Coast

Kelantan > Terengganu > Kuantan > Mersing > Bandar Penawat > Woodlands (or Tuas)

Summary > Much more idyllic and less populated, lesser traffic, may become boring some parts as there’s just long stretches of coastal roads and sporadic villages.

b3. Central

Betong > Gerik > Gua Masang > Bentong > Genting Highlands > Segamat > Joins E2 Highway back to Singapore

Summary > Perfect for bikers to practice their hairpin turns and cornering.

I’ve done all 3 B-Roads and E2 and I think all routes are different in their own ways. I like Central route best, but use main highway if I have to get somewhere quickly.

Section 3 - Toll Information

Both cars and bikes must purchase Touch & Go card at the biggest petrol kiosk at the northern end.

a. Cars

Cars need to pay for tolls throughout the entire journey on the main highway. Go towards the Blue tolls which says SAHAJA. Avoid the one that says Smart Tag, which requires an additional device for automatic toll payment. If you see Tambah Nilai, it means Top Up available here.

b. Bikes

For bikes, you only need to pay at the last toll before hitting the customs border of MY/SG. For other tolls along the highway, you’ll be using a small detour designed for motorcycles to bypass the tolls, just stick to the left and you’ll see the small lane. It’s very narrow, so just be careful. Sometimes cops like to hide at these detours to check for random stuff.

Section 4. Petrol/Rest Stops/Toilet

a. Main Highway Petrol Stations/Toilet

There are plenty of rest and petrol stops along the main highway. Petrol stations have a mixture of diesel and petrol clearly stated and you can use credit card to pay for your gas. At most stations, you’ll have to walk up to the cashier and let them know how much you want to top up. Either tell them Full or state the amount, then go back and pay. Sometimes by just waving at the cashier when they see you, they’ll just switch on the pump for you.

Petrol stations are well stocked with drinks and some basic food. The food isn’t as good, varied and tasty as the ones in Thailand, the ones in Msia are very basic. If you want full meals, stop at the rest stops, where there might be food courts. Some petrol stops are next to fast food chains. Toilets here are usually squat and may be a little dirty. Go to the R&R toilets as they are bigger and have cleaning crews maintaining it.

The petrol price as of Nov 2017 is (local currency)

• RON95 : RM2.31 per litre
• RON97 : RM2.60 per litre
• Diesel : RM2.20 per litre
• Euro 5 : RM2.30 pet litre

b. Smaller Roads

Even on smaller highways, there are plenty of petrol stops especially when you are nearing the towns. It is rare to go further than 100km without seeing a petrol stop, however, this may happen on the east coast area where petrol stops are further apart. A good guide is to pump when your petrol range reads 100km or less.

c. Rest Stops

There are many rest stops that sell food, drinks, have clean toilets with a cleaning crew keeping it neat and maintained.

Section 5 - Police stops/Speeding

The speed limit for the major highway is 110km. Larger cc cars/bikes travel at about 120km/h to 150km/h, and even the smaller cars will travel at least 110 to 140 on average. Straight sections of the highway has been tested at speeds of up to 327km/h by motorcycles (by a friend). The roads are really that good. Seeing cars go 200km/h is also common, just keep to the left and let them pass.

There are 2 kinds of speed traps.

Type 1 - Mobile Cameras
Most speeding stops are done at road blocks with cameras set up a few km before. These are common throughout the main highway e2, and very rare on the smaller highways. They will ask you to slow down, and tell you that you did xxx and they will give you a ticket of RM300. If they are corrupt, they will ask if you want to settle now or later. A typical bribe is about RM50, but of course I can’t condone such behaviour. Another type of mobile cameras will have no road blocks, they will just record your vehicle plate and you pay it off online. I just got one and paid RM90.

Type 2 - Fixed
Some kind chaps over at Rojakpot has compiled a list of fixed speed cameras. https://www.rojakpot.com/malaysian-a...d-trap-camera/

Section 6 Bribery, Crime & Safety

a. Bribery

Bribery in Singapore is a huge no no, S'pore police offers are paid much better than their asian counterparts in every other country, so don’t even think about passing $50 to the customs officer to help you get through. They’ll probably snigger and then throw you in jail. You have a higher chance of waiver if you take the summons and writing in for an appeal with some random excuse.

For Malaysia, the traffic officials may act differently and bribery is common to get things moving. Beware though, as an anti-corruption drive began a few years ago though I'm unsure to what effect. I usually just take my ticket and move along. But on the other hand, because the govt sector moves so slowly in malaysia, you can rack up tons of fines with little or no repercussions. My dad collected numerous speeding fines, and it was only after ny many years when he did a check, did he realise he owed so many fines, and then he promptly paid up.

b. Crime & Safety

Johor Bahru has a high incidence rate of robbery, crime, theft. Be careful of where you park your vehicle and make sure you are always in view of your vehicle. At night, pick a reputable hotel to stay in or skip Johor and head straight into Singapore. NEVER leave your valuables in plain sight in your car. Criminals will break your windows whether you are in your car or not, and snatch it. I have seen it happen personally. It is safe if you go in a group and stay next to your vehicles. I love Malaysia, but I avoid JB usually.

KL also has crime, but not as prevalent as JB. Do not flash your money, beware of child thieves and keep your money in your hip wallet or deep within your jackets.

The villages and smaller towns are much safer, but practice proper vigilance.

c. Highway Safety

Insurance scams are common, and people may hit their brakes in hopes you will hit them. Then they’ll pester you and get some money. This probably won’t happen for motorcycles though. There are also some local biker gangs that ride small CC bikes and they sometimes are itching for a race or just to disturb you. They are faster than their 100cc bikes look. They are generally harmless but just be alert.

Section 7 - Accidents/Breakdowns/Workshops

a. Breakdowns/Towing

If you have a breakdown, call 1800 88 0000, TollPlus (The agency in charge of the highway) may come and assist you, but don’t expect anything more than basic help. Becareful of tow touts, see below. There are plenty of tow services as well, just let them know the highway km marker and they will come get you for a fee. I will post the numbers to the toll services in another post.

a1. Highway Touts

If you break down, beware of people stopping and offering help. Tell them your friend is coming to get you. If they hang around and get aggressive, just stay in the car and ignore them. This has happened to me twice. Both times were local Indian chaps who insisted on helping me call their workshop and tolls, after which they started becoming very aggressive when I stopped talking to them. They left after a while.

b. Accidents

Things become very complicated when accidents happen. The police aren’t helpful and I’ve heard of a case where my friend was ‘fined’ for being in an accident before they release the vehicle. Most police officers can’t speak english well, and their policies and protocols are sometimes very strange. Ask for help from your embassy if the shit hits the fan. There are cases where the police officer sometimes side with the locals and insist you give them money even if it’s not your fault. Stand your ground and contact your embassy if needed.

In event of accident (if everyone is ok)

1. Be friendly with the other party (even if it’s their fault)
2. See if you can get them to admit or get it in writing.
3. Ask if it can be settled on the spot (highest priority)
4. At this moment, if they don’t want to settle or exchange particulars, you may have to call the police, which brings along another major headache as the cops sometimes don’t speak english or they may cause more problems than help. You can then decide then if your compensation is really necessary.
5. Don’t be cocky at any point, because generally in such cases, they’ll think you’re the rich one and that you’re being a dick.

*I recall one incident where my friend’s car got bumped at the back by another car. I didn’t think it was a big deal but he insisted on getting compensated. A 3rd person got involved and things got heated, we ended up going to the police station where the cops didn’t help at all. All in all, it was a huge waste of time and he didn’t get compensated.

c. Spare parts

Singapore and Malaysia have plenty of exotics, premium and classic vehicles (Malaysia has more vintage bikes), and spares can be found if you look hard, however the best way to get it quick is to google the part and have it sent to your hotel or sent ahead. If the item isn’t too expensive, it’s easy to have it pass customs direct to you, just have it declared as little as possible for it to pass through without tax. For Singapore, it’s SGD$400 for the value of goods + shipping, anything more requires 7% tax.

For japanese bikes, spare parts are very common. For KTMs/BMWs, there are sufficient service centers spread across the peninsular that may stock what you need.

d. Workshops in Malaysia

There are plenty of motorcycle workshops all around Malaysia, including BMW service centers in KL, Ipoh, Penang and Johor. In the smaller towns, they focus on the sub 150cc bikes and will probably stock the smaller tires. If you want workshops that can help with bigger bikes, only the bigger cities may have the know how. If it’s a japanese bike though, I believe they should be able to figure something out for you. But for the big european bikes, it’s best to go to the big cities. The workshops in Malaysia are rather spread out, however for each district/area, you’ll be able to find the inseparable trio of massage parlour, beauty salon and workshop.

e. Workshops in Singapore

If you are nearing Singapore, it’s much better to get into singapore to have your items fixed as many workshops are clustered in the same area. If one workshop can’t do something, the next one is probably just two doors down. You’ll want to visit places like Ubi, Bukit Merah, Sin Ming for these clusters.


Section 8 - Understand M’sian Roads/Drivers

Though the roads are well maintained and seem to be well thought out, driving/riding in KL is a frustrating affair, with multiple exits pointing sometimes to the same destination but goes via different routes. That alone can disorientate you and question your GPS route. Sometimes, signs are placed poorly, which disallows you to move your vehicle to the exit in time. Because the highways and roads have multiple levels, sometimes your GPS gets confused. Many a times, we have had fellow riders/drivers go round and round in circles, something which I have done too. Especially in the city, study the map carefully and learn the destination and via point’s names so you can make smart decisions as well.

You can choose to do the above, or just use google maps, which I find to be 99% accurate, and tells you which path to take well in advance. I’ve been using GMaps with no problems for a long time.

On another note, the highway signs are well designed and you will have no problems planning your exits easily.

Malaysians and Singaporeans are reasonably law abiding citizens, but there are some black sheep that make traveling on these roads scary at times. Generally just keep to your lane and watch out for the big trucks who may not notice your car/bike. Some buses and trucks do overnight routes as well, and they may get sleepy, so just be aware of these large vehicles that are weaving left and right.

Section 9 - Which GPS to use ?

The roads in KL are very confusing, with highways and sudden exits very common in all corners of the city. If you use garmin type GPSs, you may get lost and end up making huge detours to get back where you come from. I find google maps to be the easiest in the city. I’ve also used Sygic offline maps sometimes, but it’s not as accurate as google maps.

Section 10 - Data Sim Cards

Prepaid sim card with data are very common throughout malaysia in most towns. Handphone shops selling prepaid sim cards can be found everywhere and even in small towns, but I recommend going to the first nearest town/city and getting your sim card instead of wandering into a tiny village hoping to find a phone shop. Prices are cheap and all manners of sim cards can be had.

Look out for Celcom, Maxis, Digi and U-Mobile which are the bigger ones. For Singapore, it's M1, Singtel and Starhub. A passport is necessary most places to get a prepaid sim card.

Section 11 - Currency Exchange/Withdrawal

Exchanges can be found at the tail end of both borders, either at the shops or the biggest rest stop just before the borders. Alternatively, there are plenty of ATMs at each and every petrol station where they have the Cirrus, Plus network for you to withdraw the local currency using your ATM or credit card. Be alert for credit card skimmers in the city.

Section 12 - Malaysian People & Language

a. Language

• - Most malay locals in the villages and smaller towns usually speak just malay language
• - Younger malay locals in the cities or bigger towns speak malay and english
• - Chinese locals see speak chinese, malay and some other dialects
• - Younger or urban chinese speak english, chinese, malay and 1 other dialect.

So to sum it up, better to learn a little bit of malay if you intend to go to smaller towns, if you’re sticking to the main highways or cities, english is fine.

b. People

Most Malaysians are very friendly, and usually helpful. The local elderly malays in the villages are the friendliest people I’ve met. Once I got lost, and I was looking for a hotel. I asked an elderly malay gentleman with his daughter on a scooter where the nearest hotel was. He promptly sent his kid home, and then brought me to the nearest hotel. Bear in mind I was cycling and he was riding a bike, and he stopped and made sure I could keep up.

However, be more wary especially in Johor and KL city areas on possible scams. Generally, it’s safe, just keep the possibility of a scam in your head in tourist areas.

Make a genuine friendship with a Malaysian before your trip! They are generally friendly and well travelled, and independent. They will be able to help you translate when you’re in a rut, not to mention introduce great places to you. If you’re socially awkward like me, you can arrange for a Penang or Melaka one day tour, make friends with the guide and get their number. They will be sure to help you when translation is very needed.

Section 13 - Off-Roading

Hardcore offroad enthusiast will know that Malaysia is a fantastic place to experience tropical style off-roading. The off roads here are available for cars and motorcycles. Bear in mind that because of the extreme tropical climate here, there is a lot of slippery moss on the ground, which leads to even tricky crossing for the hardiest knobby tires. Many of these off-road places are part of plantations and quarries belonging to private corps/individuals. If you wish to experience offloading, stick to the national parks scattered around Malaysia, or ask for permission to enter plantations. They will usually be fine if it’s just a short while. Don’t get lost at night.

Section 14 - Shelter/Camping/Hotels

a. Camping

There are scattered designated camp sites around Malaysia, but if you wish to do wild camping, it’s also ok if you do it off the main roads and away from attention. In the National Parks, there are places for proper camping as well, a quick google will bring you some results. It is not possible to camp anywhere outside of designated campsites in Singapore, which is limited to just 3 beach facing parks here. Don’t imagine large national parks with mountains and forests, think urban parks with plenty of people walking around. That’s the kind of restrictive camping you’ll experience in Singapore.

b. Homestays

In Malaysia, if you wish to try the local flavour, you can also ask villagers if you can camp around their home, they are usually quite cool about it and if you are polite and bring a little gift, they’ll be delighted to have you camp in their garden. Do not try this in Singapore as the majority of people will shut their door and properly call the police. And frankly, I doubt you’ll see the novelty in staying in a large concrete bungalow in S’pore versus a nice quaint village in M’sia.

c. Hotels/Hostels

There are plenty of hotels/hostels/apartments all around Malaysia ranging from a few US dollar to hundreds depending on whats your flavour. Try and choose those with private basement parking or those that will allow you to park within eye sight of the reception. Vehicle theft is common in Malaysia, so many reputable hotels have guards who look over their compound, but practice vigilance as always still.

Singapore is very safe, so parking along the streets are fine. However, staying in Singapore will prove to be at least double to triple what you pay in malaysia, so get your ATM cards out. The cheapest hotels will be the chains like Hotel 81 or fragrance hotel, and will cost a minimum of USD80 per night depending on season. Parking along the streets of these hotels are safe. There are a number of hostels as well at a much cheaper rate, so consider these as well.

Section 15 - Weather/Environment

The weather in Malaysia and Singapore is hot, humid and constant at about 32-26 in the day and 26 to 30 in the nights. For the highlands of Malaysia, it’ll drop considerably. Probably because of Global Warming, there is no longer a monsoon period, but rather the entire year is now a jumble of erratic weather. For the past year (2017), it’s been difficult to highlight a time where rain has fallen more.

For weather like this, breathability ranks high in the choice of rain gear. If you use PVC type rain gear on top of your mesh jacket, you’ll be sure to be perspiring plenty from inside, making you wet, especially when it’s raining and temperatures still high during the day. If it’s in the evening, the pvc materials are fine.

I also find multi-layer rain gear to be too hot for my liking. I’ve use proprietary rain gear and i still get slightly very damp insides from my own perspiration. The best balance I have found is a single layer goretex type of jacket/pants. I currently use the Klim Carlsbad and i think it’s perfect for tropical weather, but I’ll prefer if there were more vents.

If you’re a betting person, a Mesh jacket/pants will do the trick. Tropical rains usually give you a heads up with gathering clouds, darkening skies, giving you time to put on your PVC rain coat. But beware that our rain here sometimes end in a few minutes, or it may last many hours, It is impossible to tell, so get ready to put on and take off your rain gear.

As for me, I just use my goretex and ride through rain or shine with minimal disruption.

Section 16 - Touring in Singapore

Singapore is a tiny (44km across) metropolis. Things run well, public transport is well connected, safe, clean and everyone speaks english. It is very simple to get things accomplished here with clear cut rules and regulations, which is sometimes a good or maybe bad things as there is no leeway.

Singapore is an extremely easy country to travel in with amazing public transportation, almost no crime and safe for tourists. However, we do not have a rich history like thailand or vietnam though we do have a multi-cultural scene. Our Art scene is still very young due to the lack of support from the Government (and parents who prefer their kids to be lawyers/bankers/doctors). We do not have any natural resources but what we do have are plenty of shopping centres that are templates of one another. One thing I'm absolutely proud of is the variety and quality of food, with decent to excellent cuisines from all corners of the globe, not the half @ss foreign cuisine you get in many other countries that are watered down to suit the local palettes.

If you’re from a city, you’ll not need to spend more than a few days here as whatever you have back home, we’ll probably have it and probably more too..

If you’re here for the cultural aspects, visit : Chinatown, Little India, Arab Street and Kolam Ayer (in the suburbs) which are the top destinations if I play tour guide to my visiting friends. I’ll also pay a visit to Gardens by the bay, Esplanade and our River Safari (zoo) which are excellent spots to just hang out.

For drivers and bikers looking for great roads in Singapore, unfortunately we have none. Go to Malaysia if you want gorgeous driving roads.

Section 17 - Touring in Malaysia

Malaysia is rather big, you’ll need much more time to cover bits and pieces of Malaysia versus Singapore where it’s so possible to walk from one place to another.

I’m on the fence about recommending Kuala Lumpur as a place to visit because of the frequent traffic condition and weather. Aside from china town and maybe the petronas twin tower, Ive always found that the True Malaysia is outside KL, in the culturally rich cities of Melaka, Penang and the villages all around Malaysia.

Must visit places in Peninsular Malaysia in terms of priority (in my humble opinion) ?

Melaka > Penang > Ipoh > Terengganu > The Highlands > Taman Negara Nat. Park

Of course, these are just suggestions, and skewed towards overlanding travel.

from a Malaysian's persepective...the above is a good overview and is rather comprehensive too. Good job there adventurelust

Much appreciated HurricaneMax. Feel free to help me add information to make it all the more relevant, with due credit!

Great job doing all this adventurelust lot of work for you and great information however unless things have changed dramatically for entering Singapore in the last couple of years as an over lander to get into Singapore on either crossing is nigh on impossible. I have done it but I was lucky that was after 2 attempts and I literally bluffed my way in and upon leaving I was held up for well over an hour, the information you have put up is ok for Malaysians Singaporeans and maybe Thai riders but for overlanders it is very different. I tried again on another occasion and it was a no go I was even escorted back to the crossing point to JB. The only choice I was allowed was to put the bike on the back of a truck in Johor Baru or go through the very expensive process of both short term insurance and toll pass system ... not worth it for me. However my hat goes off to you on all other points you raised if I could add 2 places worth travelling to or visiting in Malaysia, Batu Caves is a must and also Cameron Highlands especially for bikes as this road is brilliant. Good job mate

Hi Rick,

Thank you for your input, I'm still learning plenty from travelers like yourself. What was the reason for your entry refusal ? I understand Singapore requires plenty of documentation, Carnet is one of them as our vehicles here are probably the most expensive in the world and it's probably lucrative to sell rare cars (or bikes) here. A toyota corolla is about USD80,000 today and a new BMW GS is about USD40,000.

Our Govt is strict with vehicle import and sometimes it's impossible to get a straight answer from them.

Yes, we have a Autopass system here which allows access to carpark and for vehicle owners to pay for tolls all over Singapore.

This document Carnet was not the problem mate it was the Toll system and insurance needed. Minimum coverage I could get was six months ( from memory about $200 Sing) and then they wanted to inspect the bike before coverage was issued, catch 22 as bike was in Johore then. They clearly didn't want foreigners to bring vehicles in to Singapore. That was the one and only time I could get the bike in I have since tried on 2 or 3 occasions and definitely not unless on the back of a truck. Last time was I think 2013 maybe different now I could only hope.

My car should arrive next week in Port Klang, anyone can explain me how and where to purchase a touch and go card in the KUL area ??
Are they just sold at petrol stations or is it more complicated ??
I understood paying toll with cash or credit card is a no go in Malaysia ??
or is it pretty easy to avoid the tolls and just take the B-roads to the thai border coming from KUL ??
Sometimes it takes hours to get such a system, and if the B-roads will make you loose the same time, better dont buy it, or am i wrong ??
Thanks in advance !!

Touch & Go cards for paying tolls can be purchased at selected petrol stations. Just look for a bigger petrol station and ask at the counter.

You can't pay tolls with cash or credit card so a T&G card is required.

As to the B-roads to avoid toll from KUL to the Thai border, I can't help you with that as I don't live in that particular state.

Good luck.

I was in decembre in Malaysia, and it was hard to find a place to buy a Touch and go card, almost every gas-station was sold out; WHEN i contacted them they said the only place to get it for sure was their main office, not so far away from central station, i put a sign on ioverlander. Bought the card (10 ringgit if i remeber good) and put 50 of credit on it, what brought me to the Thai border.
If you would run out of credit, there is alwas somebody who can recharge your card a the toll-plaza, even its not the normal way to do, but i saw it more then ounce !!