KUALA LUMPUR: A 72-year-old woman was allegedly harassed and insulted by a group of male youths in the women's coach of a KTM Komuter train yesterday.
Media personality Sheahnee Iman Lee said in a social media post that her mother had boarded the train in Klang to travel to the city.
On the train, she found a group of male youths in the women's coach, crowding and overwhelming the female passengers.
"My mother, a schoolteacher for 40 years, spoke up and reminded the boys that they were in the women's coach.
"But what did these boys do? They responded threateningly and rudely, saying: 'We are Malaysian!' and 'This is my country!'
"They then took videos of her and brought more of their rowdy friends into the coach, causing concern for my mum and the other women there," Lee said, adding that the boys' behaviour was possibly influenced by her mother being Australian.
Accompanying the post were videos filmed by her mother, showing some of the youths running away when they saw that they were being filmed, while others remained defiant.
Lee expressed concern about the state of the nation's youth and their impact on the country's future.
"When we raise kids who have no respect for elders, no respect for women, and no respect for rules, I wonder whether this next generation of Malaysians will build or tear down our hard-fought nation," she said.
The media personality expressed deep regret over the incident and hoped for a better future.
"After 67 years of independence, I hope more of us can start to see beyond colour and focus more on our values, attitudes, mindsets, and hearts," she said.
Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd responded to the post, expressing sympathy to Lee's mother and informing the public that, in case of emergencies, they can use the intercom or call 03-22631194 to reach KTM's auxiliary police.
The train operator has also reached out to Lee.
"KTM has contacted me directly to take my report on the incident. They were empathetic, listened openly, and were receptive to my feedback," she said in an update.
Lee added that the intercom might be unavailable in urgent situations and suggested measures to enhance safety on trains and at stations.
"I also suggested that KTM implement random and regular spot checks on trains and in stations to ensure that the women's coach serves its intended purpose.