With the reach of social media and public awareness campaigns at an all-time high, you would think that some basic rules would no longer need explaining. Yet, here we are, still having to remind people why certain spaces, like priority coaches and designated parking bays, exist in the first place!
Priority coaches, particularly women-only carriages on trains, are not there to inconvenience anyone. They were introduced to provide a safer, more comfortable space for women, especially during peak hours when public transport can get overcrowded.
Photo via XiaoHongShu (AmelieLily)
Likewise, priority parking bays close to entrances are meant for families with young children, pregnant women, and those requiring easier access… not for convenience or shortcut seekers.
And yet, a troubling incident on the MRT Putrajaya line earlier this week has reignited frustration among many. Several men were spotted lounging in the women’s coach — some even resting their bare feet casually on the seats, completely disregarding the signs and rules.
The situation came to light after a woman took to Xiao Hong Shu (RED) to share her experience. She described reaching out to RapidKL’s helpline via WhatsApp, expressing her frustration. To RapidKL’s credit, their response was swift. Within minutes, a staff member boarded the train and firmly instructed the men to leave, which they eventually did.
However, the encounter took a disturbing turn when one of the men allegedly attempted to record the woman on his mobile phone — an act that many interpreted as an intimidation tactic. Refusing to be cowed, she snapped photographs of the men and shared them with RapidKL as evidence.
One of the photos captured shows the women's coach largely empty, making the men's presence even more unjustifiable.
Photo via XiaoHongShu (AmelieLily)
Her story resonated with many, particularly women, who shared their own experiences in the comments. "This happened to me on the very same coach," one user wrote. "I contacted RapidKL through WhatsApp too."
Another commented, "They know exactly what they’re doing. Some even try to intimidate you by taking out their phones. And yes, they’ll do it even if you’re accompanied by a man — I’ve been there myself."
Some women, however, chose to confront the men directly rather than alert authorities, though many noted the emotional labour involved in having to defend spaces specifically created for their safety.
In 2025, it shouldn’t still fall on women to police their own spaces. Respecting boundaries is not difficult, and public transport systems, much like society at large, work best when we all remember the simple principle of respect for one another.
