"This is MY Country!"— 72-Year-Old Woman Harassed by Young Men on Women’s Coach

“Merdeka”, or independence, is a time when Malaysians typically celebrate their nation’s progress and unity. However, for Sheahnee Iman Lee, a former news anchor and a content creator, this year’s National Day was overshadowed by a troubling incident involving her 72-year-old mother. The day, usually marked by fireworks and patriotic celebrations, took a dark turn due to an unfortunate event on public transport.

Disturbing Incident on the Women’s Coach

On the morning of Merdeka, Lee’s mother boarded a KTM train (a high-speed rail service connecting cities in Malaysia) from Klang to Kuala Lumpur. She opted for the women’s coach, which she prefers for safety reasons. Despite clear signage indicating the coach’s purpose, a group of young men had already filled the space, disregarding the rules.

When Lee’s mother, an Australian who has been living in Malaysia for over five decades and a retired schoolteacher, reminded the boys of the coach’s intended use, they reacted aggressively.

The youths responded with bold statements like “We are Malaysian!” and “This is MY country!” They recorded the encounter and brought more friends into the coach, creating an intimidating environment for Lee’s mother and the other women. They were later seen leaving the scene after they were being recorded.

Lee’s Plea for Respect and Change

Lee’s social media post showcases the personal and societal impact of the incident. She expressed deep concern over the decline in basic respect and the increasing intolerance that seems to be taking hold in Malaysia. In her post, Lee urged Malaysians to strive for better behavior, calling for a cultural shift towards greater respect for older people and public spaces.

KTM’s Response and Future Measures

In response to the incident, Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB) has actively engaged with Lee and acknowledged the concerns raised. According to the New Straits Times, KTMB and the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) are discussing new legislation and measures to enhance the enforcement and awareness of women-only coaches. This includes increasing patrols and implementing regular spot checks to ensure the coaches fulfill their intended purpose.

KTMB has also reiterated the importance of using emergency contact options, such as the intercom button and the KTMB auxiliary police number, to address any issues promptly. These steps are intended to provide a safer and more respectful environment for female passengers.

Similar Incident

In another unrelated incident on July 22, 2024, a confrontation erupted on a women’s coach in Kuala Lumpur’s MRT when a man refused to leave, despite being confronted by a female passenger. The man, traveling with his young daughters and wife, became agitated and told the woman to “shut up” and dared her to call the police. While some netizens criticized the man for disregarding the rules, others defended him, arguing that his presence was justified since he was accompanying his daughters.

Visit Sheahnee’s Instagram for the full story.