In a statement today, Prasarana said the advertisement, which promoted a personal care product, depicted an everyday situation involving Malaysians of various backgrounds using public transport.

“It was aimed at showing the importance of using personal care products, and was not targeted at any individual or race.

“The visual in question went through the appropriate process, including internal and external checks, covering aspects such as racial, religious, and social sensitivities, before being printed and displayed,” said the company.

Prasarana said the visual was nevertheless removed following feedback from commuters.

“As a responsible public transport operator, Prasarana values community feedback and views, especially when (the issue) can be misinterpreted as being targeted at a certain individual or community,” it said.