We all avoid public transportation in Malaysia for two reasons – safety and the fear of their being objectified by men.
It’s no surprise that Malaysian women feel extremely uncomfortable in any crowded situation at all. Both local and foreign women have reported to being molested and even sexually harassed in a crowded space, yet can’t do anything about it because it’s embarrassing and fear that the offender may go to extreme lengths to hurt them.
Which is why Syarikat Prasarana Negara Berhad wants public transport users to lodge reports of such incidences. “We want to ensure that public transport is safe. We can only take the necessary action if a report is lodged,” said Prasarana Group communication and strategic marketing department executive vice-president Lim Jin Aun. He also urges users to take down details of the offenders such as tattoos, scars, speech, and complexion to help the authorities identify the suspect.
Kuala Lumpur CID chief Datuk Ku Chin Wah said, “I also advise those being harassed to shout out loud and reprimand the offender“.
“It alerts other passengers and the culprit will be too embarrassed to proceed further”.
Transport companies have taken proactive measures when women’s safety are concerned. Years back, KTM Berhard introduced the women-only coaches, yet there are still male passengers who do not adhere to the very obviously pink signs. The train conductors will even go as far as to advising women to kick the male passengers out of their exclusive coach, and they have a right to.
With 60% of the public transport users being women, public transport systems aim to provide buses for female passengers during peak hours. [Source]
Do you take public transportation to commute? What improvements do you think they can make when it comes to women’s safety?
