KUALA LUMPUR: Prasarana Malaysia Bhd is pulling out all the stops to boost safety measures for commuters, including for the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Kajang line that has designated coaches for women.
MRT Kajang line head of operations Sofiah Hussein said the steps included having 150 auxiliary police officers working in two shifts to help commuters.
She said her team, volunteers from Prasarana known as "troopers", and auxiliary police monitored trains and stations to stop men who enter women's coaches.
"Our MRT trains have closed-circuit television cameras for us to keep an eye on the situation."
Each coach on the MRT line has about four CCTV cameras.
Recently, videos showing male commuters occupying the women's coaches on the MRT made the rounds on social media.
In one video, a food delivery rider was seen asking male commuters to comply with the rules, earning praise from Netizens.
Asked why the MRT Kajang line was chosen to implement the women's coach initiative, Sofiah said the decision was made after careful consideration as it was the second busiest line with a high density of female commuters.
"The Kajang line caters to an average of 214,000 commuters on weekdays.
"The line connects to shopping malls and office areas with a
substantial female commuter base."
She said the women's coaches were positioned in the middle of the train sets to ensure smoother journeys for passengers.
Female commuters lauded the women's coach initiative, saying it boosted their trust in the MRT.
University student Nur Fathin Md Sidi said she felt safer travelling in the women's coaches since their launch on Sept 18.
"I think it is a good initiative. It allows me to travel home safely at night on days my classes end late. My parents can also rest assured that my journey is safe."
Indonesian tourist Daifa said the women's coach initiative pushed her to try the MRT.
Private tutor Dhanushiya Raj said travelling in the women's coach made her feel more comfortable and safe.
"I use the women's coach. I have not encountered cases of men coming into these coaches during non-peak hours."
A check by the New Sunday Times during peak hours on Friday found that women preferred to use the women's coaches over the regular coaches.
About 5.30pm, the Pasar Seni MRT station had four auxiliary cops, as well as two Prasarana personnel monitoring the situation.
They guided male commuters away from the women's coach.
They also entered the women's coaches to check that there were no men inside.
If they spotted any, they asked the men to go to the regular coaches.
On the MRT, announcements were made to remind commuters about the women's coaches and to encourage commuters to seek help from auxiliary police in the event of sexual harassment.
At the Muzium Negara station, which connects to other train lines, one Prasarana employee watched over both platforms.
The Merdeka station had two auxiliary police officers on duty about 6pm, while the Bukit Bintang station had four auxiliary police officers and one Prasarana employee.
But by about 7.30pm, there were no auxiliary police officers nor Prasarana staff at the Kwasa Damansara station, a key transit station connecting the Kajang line and the Putrajaya line.