KAJANG – The Transport Ministry and related agencies are focusing their efforts on cultivating an intrinsic sense of respect in male public transport passengers, amid reported cases of men encroaching on women-only coaches on the Kajang MRT line.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said it is better to educate and inform men who commit such wrongdoings, instead of punitively punishing them for what could have been an “ignorant” decision.
“We’re still in the advocacy stage (regarding coaches designated for women). When there are instances of men going against the rule, it could be because they’re ignorant, so they’re advised by other passengers and auxiliary police on duty on the trains.
“We want our community to be one that willingly complies with the (women-only coaches) rule, and not have to be forced to abide by the regulation (out of fear of) penalties or being kicked off the train.”
The minister said this during a press conference after launching the women-only coaches on the Kajang MRT line, an initiative that was implemented earlier in September.
Since then, netizens have taken to social media to share various instances where men were spotted casually occupying coaches designated for female travellers, with some male passengers going so far as to yell at those who attempt to point out their non-compliance.
Commenting on the matter, Loke urged male travellers to be more respectful of women’s spaces, saying: “As a man, we should feel embarrassed if we do not respect (rules on female-only areas).
“We should not have to wait for the (threat of) a fine before we respect women. Be a gentleman, respect how women have concerns and they have been given a space for themselves.”
Loke also said Prasarana Malaysia Bhd is looking at upgrading its rules for the women-only coaches, including determining whether it has the power to penalise those who flaunt the restriction.
However, he stressed that such potential penalties will be preceded by efforts to instil self-awareness and responsibility in male passengers.
Meanwhile, the minister also said the number of reported sexual harassment cases on the Kajang MRT line has dropped after the introduction of the women-only coaches.
There were eight such reports in the first quarter this year. The number then went up to 11 in the second quarter of the year before dropping back to eight in the third quarter.
“After the implementation of the women-only coaches in September, we’re pleased to announce that in the fourth quarter, the total number of sexual harassment reports up until November is only three.”
He also expressed his confidence in the initiative being expanded to other MRT lines in the future, seeing as how the move has been well received by female passengers, who make up 62% of the My50 travel cardholders. – December 21, 2023