"Men Should Respect Women's Coaches" – Anthony Loke Says Govt Plans To Fine Trespassers
This comes after numerous incidents of men entering women-only carriages.
By Celine Low — 16 Aug 2024, 11:41 AM
Transport Minister Anthony Loke has announced that the government is drafting legislation aimed at imposing fines on men who enter women-only train coaches
He also said that Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) and Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Corp have been instructed to intensify efforts in monitoring carriages designated exclusively for women.
At present, auxiliary police officers are stationed at railway and MRT stations to prevent men from trespassing into these women-only zones.
"In terms of regulations, we are drafting a form of fine that we can impose. Right now, there is no rule that we can fine men who ignore designated women's coaches," Loke explained.
The move to legislate fines comes in response to numerous incidents where men have entered the pink coaches, reserved exclusively for women
KTM Komuter suburban trains first introduced designated ladies' carriages in 2010. Similarly, women-only coaches were implemented on the MRT Kajang and Putrajaya Line in September 2023 and April 2024, respectively. Still, there have been multiple reports of men breaching these designated spaces.
Additionally, reports of women facing sexual harassment on public transport have continued, including men taking unsolicited photos and videos of them.
"Men should respect these women's carriages, so that female passengers can travel safely and comfortably," Loke added.
