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#NSTviral: Ladies-only MRT coach occupied by male passengers not long after its launch

KUALA LUMPUR: A video of male passengers occupying the women-only space at the recently introduced ladies coach at the MRT Kajang line has been making its rounds on social media platform, TikTok.

The footage posted by TikTok user Samantha (@shueeween) on Tuesday (Sept 19) showed male passengers comfortably seated inside the ladies' coach during the non-peak hours.

The ladies-only coaches were introduced following concerns voiced by female passengers towards sexual harassment while on the train.

"Can't blame them… they're just Ken," she said, sarcastically referring to the 'Ken' male character from the Barbie film and toys.

Netizens voiced their frustration over their irresponsible act and questioned the actions of the authorities in addressing the matter.

Social media user Ally, while tagging RapidKL, urged the public transportation service provider to take further action towards the people in the incident and hoped it would not recur.

"Please @RapidKL, we have advised them many times before (about the same thing)," she said, venting her frustration.

Another user, Muhammad Fuad, suggested authorities such as the Transport Ministry to impose fines for individuals who went against the ladies-only coach rules.

"RapidKL and MoT should propose a compound to be gazetted in Parliament. Only then would it be easier for authorities to do their work."

The video has so far amassed almost 900,000 views and 90,000 likes.

In a separate video posted on Sept 20 by a social media user known only as Samantha, auxiliary policemen were seen asking male passengers seated at the ladies' coach to leave it.

"We have the police here today, but we are not sure how long this will last, though," she said.

Previously, Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook said the designated ladies' coach for the MRT Kajang Line was established to provide a comfortable environment for women when travelling.

The designated ladies' coach is in the midst of a trial run and will come into full force next month.

In April 2010, the KTM Komuter introduced the ladies' coach in the interest of its women commuters, who make up 60 per cent of passengers.

The ladies' coaches are differentiated with pink stickers displayed on the outer and inner parts of the coach, bearing the words "Coach for Ladies Only" as well as special waiting areas.

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