Ladies-Only Parking: Established for Women’s Safety, Not Convenience

A TikTok by user @/sachiyzmeen (Yzmeen) has sparked a wave of discussion about the importance of ladies-only parking zones in Malaysia.

The video shows Yzmeen politely confronting a man parked in a space clearly designated for women. While the man insisted his girlfriend was driving, both were seen sitting in the car together.

Yzmeen expressed her concern, explaining in her caption that these reserved spaces are about safety, not convenience.

Ladies-only parking is designed to protect women navigating parking areas alone, which can be risky and isolating, especially at night.

Many Still Don’t Understand the Purpose of Ladies-Only Parking

Yzmeen’s video revealed how misunderstood the concept of ladies-only parking can be.

One commenter shared a story about being scolded by a couple for parking in a reserved spot. When she explained it was for single women, the husband argued his wife had leg pain, ignoring the safety-focused intent of the space.

“I once got scolded by a husband and wife because I parked in the ladies’ parking. They claimed I took their spot. When I pointed out it was a ladies’ parking spot and they were a couple, the husband said his wife had leg pain.”

Another commenter mentioned how her mother regularly calls out men misusing these spots, only to hear dismissive responses like, “My wife is a woman.”

My mom often tells men off for parking in the ladies’ parking spots. They just respond with, “My wife is a woman.”

The confusion extended to genuine questions from some viewers. One asked if groups of women could use these spaces.

While another admitted they didn’t even know what ladies-only parking was for.

“Sorry, I don’t know… What is ladies’ parking? Can someone explain it to me? So sorry, I don’t know.”

What Are Ladies-Only Parking Zones?

Ladies-only parking in Malaysia is intended for single women drivers to enhance their safety. These zones are typically located near entrances or escalators and include specific features:

Bright Lighting: Ensures visibility and creates a sense of security.
Security Guards: Some areas have restricted access with guards ensuring only women park there.
Pink Paint and Signage: Distinctive markings to indicate these are reserved spots.

Ladies parking at a mall in Malaysia. Photo via Sunway Putra Mall

These measures are designed to make parking lots safer for women, especially those returning to their vehicles alone. However, when misused—whether through ignorance or selfishness—it defeats their intended purpose.

Canny Ong’s Case: The Tragedy That Spurred Change

The need for ladies-only parking zones became painfully evident after the horrific 2003 abduction and murder of Canny Ong. The 28-year-old was taken from a shopping mall parking lot in Kuala Lumpur while retrieving her parking ticket.

She was kidnapped, raped, stabbed, and later burned. Days later, her charred remains were found in a pit/drain.

Canny’s death shocked the nation and prompted action. Shopping malls began implementing dedicated women-only parking areas, upgrading CCTV systems, and installing panic buttons to prevent such tragedies from happening again.

Panic/emergency button at a car park in Malaysia. Photo via Education Malaysia

These changes were a step toward acknowledging the risks women face and offering substantial solutions to improve safety.

Misuse of Reserved Spaces Hurts Those Who Need Them Most

Despite their life-saving potential, ladies-only parking zones are often misused. Couples, families, and groups sometimes park in these spots, disregarding their purpose.

This behavior forces women who genuinely need the spaces to park farther away, increasing their vulnerability.

Photo for illustration purposes only. Via Canva

As Yzmeen’s TikTok pointed out, respecting these spaces isn’t just about following rules—it’s about showing consideration for women’s safety. By leaving these spots available for those who need them, it contributes to a safer environment for everyone.

Moving Forward

Ladies-only parking is just one of many measures aimed at creating safer public spaces for women. Beyond enforcing parking rules, there needs to be broader public education on why these measures exist.

At the same time, women are encouraged to stay vigilant. Small habits, like avoiding distractions while walking to the car, carrying basic self-defense tools, and parking in well-lit areas, can enhance personal safety.