Malaysia to roll out more women-only coaches on trains

Move comes after measure on Kajang MRT line cuts sexual harassment complaints

- Hazlin Hassan

Malaysia is planning to roll out more women-only coaches on its trains after having implemented them on two Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) lines, in efforts to curb sexual harassment and ensure a safer ride for women passengers.

The move is welcomed by riders of both genders.

Housewife Ee Lee Lee, 55, said she was all for women-only coaches as her daughter attends a local university and uses public transport daily.

"As mothers, we worry, so I told my daughter she must sit in the women-only coach if possible, for peace of mind," she told The Straits Times.

She said she would also do so, especially after a man once followed her on the train.

General manager Bahrudin A.Rahman, who was travelling on the MRT with his family, said: "I can see that it is well-organised on Malaysian trains... When women are separated from the men, they won't have to jostle with each other for seats."

MRT operator Rapid KL first introduced its women-only coach on the Kajang line in September 2023, and then on the Putrajaya line on April 8.

There have been women-only coaches on KTM Komuter suburban trains, operated by commuter rail company KTM, since April 2010.