Women-only coaches a hit: Kajang MRT pilot project reduces harassment reports
FARHANA ABD KADIR
KAJANG - Since their launch in September 2023, designated women's coaches and seating areas on the Kajang MRT line have contributed to a notable decline in reported incidents of sexual harassment, Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook announced today.
"We've observed a significant decrease in reported cases over the past few months," Loke said at the official launch of the "Women's Coach Pioneer Project" for the Kajang line
He was joined by Women, Family, and Community Development Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad.
Loke cited a drop in harassment reports from eight cases in the first quarter of 2023 to just three in the fourth quarter.
"This initiative has been well-received by users," he added.
The Kajang MRT serves as the pilot project for women's coaches, but Loke stressed that safety enhancements will continue across the network.
"We've increased auxiliary police presence at stations and improved lighting from platforms to parking areas," he said.
Prasarana Malaysia Berhad (Prasarana) President and CEO Mohd Azharuddin Mat Sah noted that similar gender-specific transport initiatives exist in cities like Dubai, Mexico, Jakarta, and Rio de Janeiro.
"We have designated the second and seventh sections of other coaches as seating areas for female passengers," he added.
This aims to enhance overall comfort and security for female riders on public transit.
