KUALA LUMPUR: A Thai policeman has taken to TikTok, using Malay language to advise Malaysians driving in Thailand to carry a valid driving licence at all times.
In a video posted by user @dadunayu.thai, the officer said Malaysian travellers must have either the digital or physical driving licence with them when driving in Thailand.
He reminded motorists that this requirement is strictly enforced.
He said those with concerns may also visit the Malaysian Road Transport Department (RTD) to print a physical copy before travelling to Thailand.
The video has since gained significant attention from Malaysian netizens who might have found the dialect familiar, having amassed 1.5 million views and more than 1,500 comments.
Indeed, the policeman was speaking in the Kelantan-Pattani dialect, spoken both in the state of Kelantan as well as southern Thailand, and far removed from the Johor-Riau dialect that forms the basis of formal Bahasa Melayu in Malaysia.
Many netizens wasted no time in thanking him for his explanation on the matter.
"Thank you for your clarification. May everything go smoothly for you, sir," said user Mhilmi Muzakkir.
Others took the opportunity to remind others to respect the laws of other countries when visiting them.
"We enter other people's homes, we follow their rules, because even when they enter our home, they follow our rules," said user TENGKUDONBOEK.
Effective Feb 10, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said Malaysian private vehicle owners will no longer need to carry a physical licence as well as display their motor vehicle licences (commonly known as road tax).
While some motorists hailed the announcement as a convenience, others questioned the move, citing concerns such as accessibility and lack of Internet access.