Sesal dahulu pendapatan

Sesal dahulu pendapatan, Sesal kemudian tiada gunanya
Literal translation: being regretful early will be advantageous, being regretful later is of no use.

The literal translation is not precise. It should be: Prior remorse is useful, regret thereafter is pointless. Meaning: Repentance before an event or action takes place is useful, otherwise regret thereafter is pointless.The idea of  regretting before an action is illogical. Regretting a crime before committing the crime is illogical, but you can be remorseful and therefore repent from committing the crime. One can regret only after the crime. Well, many people seem to live in regrets.