The Real Reason Why M’sian Road Signs Come in Different Colours, Numbers and Letters

Have you ever wondered why the road signs in Malaysia come in different colours and are often accompanied by numbers or alphabets? Well, apparently every single element on these boards represent something (duh!) and it’s important for road users to know them.

If you never knew what they mean, carry on reading this list! 

 

1. Blue signboards are used for non-tolled federal, state and municipal roads

 

2. Green signboards are used for tolled highways or expressways

 

3. The ‘E’ on the board signifies the road is an expressway 

 

4. Federal roads are represented by numbers only

 

5. State roads are represented by numbers and alphabets

 

6. Yellow letterings are for road names

 

7. White letterings are for towns and areas

For instance, Seremban, Cheras and Kota Damansara.

 

8. White letterings against a maroon background are for tourist destinations

 

9. Orange letters with a green background are for government institutions

 

10. The destinations on road signs are arranged from the bottom (nearest) to top (furthest) according to distance

For instance, you will reach Alor Gajah before Tampin if you exit left.

Bonus fact: The Malaysian Highway Authorities (Lembaga Lebuhraya Malaysia) actually developed a new type of font called LLM Lettering to be used on road signs. In fact, you can download the font here! 

Before we became heavily dependent on Waze, road signs used to be our compass and saviour to navigate around Malaysia. So, let’s take a moment to appreciate the hard work put into making these road signs and educate our fellow Malaysians by sharing this article! 

 

Also read: Ever Wondered Why Shah Alam Roads Have Unique Names? Here’s Why!