MRT Kajang Line head of operations Sofiah Hussein acknowledged that some men had been abusing the facility designed for the safe carriage of women since its introduction on Sept 18.
“Women-only” coaches were introduced as a pilot project on the Kajang MRT Line in response to an increase in complains of sexual harassment among users of public transportation.
Despite this, men have still strayed into “women-only” coaches located in the middle section of MRT trains, ignoring bright pink icons, “for ladies only” signages, and specially demarcated boarding areas located at the platforms.
“Publicity via mass and social media, awareness campaigns, public announcements at stations and onboard trains as well as additional notices will be enhanced,” Sofiah told FMT.
“Surveillance by the auxiliary police will also be improved to provide a more comfortable, convenient and much safer journey for all passengers.”
Public transport user Nurul Rahim, the co-founder of a start-up business, said the presence of auxiliary police force personnel either on trains or at the stations would help ensure compliance.
More ‘women-only’ coaches needed
Last month, transport minister Loke Siew Fook said the authorities may introduce similar coaches for other train services if a trial run of the initiative on the Kajang MRT Line went well.
A number of commuters who spoke to FMT commended the initiative, saying it would help make women feel safer while commuting. Some called for more such coaches to be made available.
University coordinator S Thenmoly said each train should come with at least two “women-only” coaches.
Faiz Alavi, a communications officer, also called for more such coaches to be introduced to prevent overcrowding and avoid women being forced to travel in the general coaches.
He also said commuters should not hesitate to ask men who venture into “women-only” coaches to move to the general coaches.
“Especially during peak hours, there needs to be some sort of control when there are some men inside the women’s coach. We need to be more vigilant, so if you see something, say something,” he said.