KUALA LUMPUR – Rapid Rail Sdn Bhd is studying the operating procedures for women-only coaches in order to educate the public on their proper use following the September 18 launch of this initiative on the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Kajang Line.
Sofiah Hussien, the head of operations for the MRT Kajang Line, said her team, along with Prasarana Malaysia Bhd (Prasarana) volunteers known as troopers and auxiliary police, maintains surveillance within trains and stations to identify individuals who “intrude” on women-only coaches.
“Female commuters may politely ask male passengers to switch to regular coaches. If the behaviour persists, they are encouraged to seek assistance from auxiliary police officers or other staff members, or to contact the Rapid KL customer service centre directly.
“I urge the public to assist and support MRT by reminding one another of the importance and sensitivity of this designated coach in order to ensure mutual comfort,” she said.
In a video that recently went viral on social media, a food delivery worker voiced concerns, urging a group of male passengers, including foreigners, to switch from the women-only coaches and explaining in English the purpose of the designated coach.
According to Sofiah, the MRT Kajang Line initiative aims to provide comfort and safety for female commuters.
“Based on a general survey, this route is in high demand, with 53% of riders being female. However, the authorities intend to evaluate this implementation over the next three to six months before deciding on its extension to other MRT routes,” she added.
The women-only coaches are situated in the middle section of every MRT train on the Kajang line, utilising segments of the second and third coaches. They are recognisable by pink icons of women and the words “Women Only”.
Additionally, designated queues and waiting areas for women have been set up on the platforms, clearly indicated by female icons. Regular announcements are made inside the trains and at the stations to keep users informed.
“They are available for all female passengers of various ages and boys under 12 years old accompanied by a female guardian. Meanwhile, persons with disabilities and their carers are given priority to board any coach,” Sofiah said.
However, in case of service disruptions, all passengers will be allowed to board the women-only coaches upon platform officers’ approval, Sofiah added.
She hopes that all MRT Kajang Line commuters will have a positive attitude towards this initiative because it is not something new, following Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd’s introduction of the women-only coach service on the KTM Komuter trains in April 2010.
“Female commuters are advised to fully utilise the women-only coaches first, allowing other passengers to use the regular coaches,” she said.
Nur Fathin Mad Sidi, a 25-year-old communication student, hopes for a more proactive approach from MRT in promoting awareness about the women’s coach, which will help tackle the problem of intrusion into this designated space.
“I feel frustrated to see men casually occupying the women-only coaches. Some just ignore me when confronted. Maybe MRT should consider making announcements more frequently or implement direct monitoring at the stations,” she suggested.
For Fatin Anisa Said, 27, a fast food restaurant worker, the implementation of women-only coaches could help reduce sexual harassment cases within the MRT.
“To be honest, I feel more confident and secure while using the MRT. At the very least, it helps us avoid physical contact between men and women, especially during peak hours,” she added. – October 7, 2023