KTMB: 35,000 commuters using women's coach

Some 35,000 commuters have used the women’s coach since it was introduced in April, Dewan Rakyat was told on Monday.

Transport Deputy Minister Abdul Rahim Bakri said Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) would extend it to the Sentul-Batu Caves route by the middle of next month.

“KTMB does not plan to expand the women’s coach to the other sectors,” he said in reply to a question by Kamarudin Jaafar (PAS-Tumpat).

He said the introduction of the coach was to protect women’s rights and to prevent them from becoming victims of sexual harassment and pickpocket.

“India, Japan and Mexico had introduced women’s coaches years ago. A KTMB study found that 90 percent of women understood and supported the move ” he said in reply to a supplementary question by Noraini Ahmad (BN-Parit Sulong) who asked whether it showed that Malaysia was unsafe for women.

Rahim told Kamarudin that RM1.9 billion had been allocated for 38 set of EMUs (electric multiple units) to improve the commuter train service.

They were bought from a reputable Chinese consortium with delivery expected by September next year.

“The purchase was made using a fast supply delivery system which takes only 24 months for delivery compared to 24 to 36 months previously.

“The EMUs which met the International European Standard are made of alluminium making them light and energy efficient,” he added.

KTMB has 58 EMUs of which only 22-26 are in operation while the rest are under maintenance. – Bernama