Safe space: The proposal to impose penalties on men who encroach on female-only coaches would offer women a sense of security and privacy in public transit. Photo posed by model (man with cap) in a female-only MRT coach. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star
PETALING JAYA: The proposal to impose penalties on male passengers who encroach on female-only coaches shows that the authorities take women’s safety seriously, say activists.
They said that it would also encourage respect for designated public spaces.
Lawyer Kokila Vaani said the move would reinforce the reason for these spaces, which is to offer women a sense of security and privacy in public transit.
She said it would also reduce the likelihood of harassment or unwanted attention.
“However, its effectiveness depends on public awareness, proper implementation, and sufficient monitoring,” the former Selangor Bar chairman said.
Kokila also suggested enhancing hotline services at public transport stations to provide immediate support for women, ensuring a comprehensive approach to their safety while travelling.
On Aug 14, Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced that laws were being drafted to include fines on male passengers who encroach on female-only coaches following complaints.
Anti-gender-based violence advocate Yu Ren-Chung said imposing penalties may help improve compliance among men, but it should be inclusive and not overly rigid.
“We need to address safety holistically, including ensuring other policies like the anti-sexual harassment and anti-stalking laws are implemented effectively.
“For example, if you are being followed in public in a way that makes you fearful, you can get help including getting a protection order from the police,” said the former Women’s Aid Organisation deputy executive director.
NGO Sisters in Islam said protecting women needed more than just legal measures or rules – it is also about changing minds and educating the public.
“We need to respect and value the spaces that are meant to protect and empower women, not because they are the weaker sex, but because they deserve the same sense of safety that everyone has.
“Only through a combination of legal measures and cultural education can we achieve real progress in making public spaces safer and more inclusive for women,” said a spokesman.
Meanwhile, commuters back the government’s move to punish offenders who trespass upon women’s coaches.
Faris Fuad, 32, said it would be timely for stricter enforcement on those who purposely entered the women’s coaches, as well as raising better awareness on public transport etiquette.
He said that commuters often “forget” the priority rules on public transportation for the elderly, special needs people, and pregnant women, especially during peak hours.
“If this simple rule can be forgotten, then anything can happen when one deliberately decides to abuse the comfort of the women’s coach,” the communications officer said.
A passenger who only wanted to be identified as Lily, 28, said the government should consider expanding the designated women’s coach into a family carriage for families and single women like the Doha Metro family coaches in Qatar.
“My suggestion is that we should just allow men to travel with their families in the coaches during off-peak hours,” she said.
Another commuter, Sheena Nathan, 37, said those who continue to ignore signs and posters about designated carriages should be fined accordingly.
“I feel like it’s a bit excessive to penalise or fine those who accidentally walk into the women’s coaches without even realising it.
“But in the long run, such regulation could deter men from playing the ‘dumb card’ and pretending they hadn’t seen the notices. I would feel safer if I knew there were absolutely no men in women’s coaches, particularly during peak hours,” the writer said.
