This article was updated on 2 April, 2026 to include a statement from KTMB.
A Malaysian woman took her frustration to social media after she spotted a group of men violating the women’s coach on the Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTMB) train recently, leaving her questioning if the “Women’s Coach” sign is effective at all.
She shared an image of the women’s coach online, showing not only a couple of men seated next to her, but also others opposite her, and other parts of the coach. Upon seeing the men flocking to the women’s coach, the woman, Thava, sarcastically remarked that the “Women’s coach” sign was possibly invisible to the men abusing the coach, prompting many of them to board the coach.
“Is there an open house here?”
In her viral Threads post, Thava playfully remarked that the women’s coach is on a “first-come-first-served” basis, regardless of your gender. Reflecting on the men in the coach, Thava also likened the situation to an “open house”, further pointing out that to them, the women’s coach was merely a suggestion, not a rule.
In the comment section, however, some social media users assumed that Thava was taking the Northern KTM Commuter route, in which the woman’s coach rule is NOT enforced.
“It was not the Northern line, I was from Serdang.”
In a conversation with WORLD OF BUZZ, Thava clarified that the incident did not take place on the Northern line, but on the Batu Caves – Pulau Sebang (Malacca) line. At that time, Thava was travelling from Serdang to Nilai, a route that she usually takes. According to her, the men were already inside the women’s coach when she boarded the train on Monday (30 March) at 1:49 PM.
“Even after a few stations, some were still entering and staying in the coach.”
“Before that, I did inform some of the men to move to a different coach.”
Thava also told WORLD OF BUZZ that she had tried calling KTMB on the same day to lodge a report about the matter, but there was no answer.
“But once I reached my destination at the Nilai station, I immediately told the employees about the matter.”
Over the years, KTMB has produced advertisements to spread awareness of the women’s coach.
Disregarding the women’s coach rules isn’t just a violation, but also compromises the space created to protect the safety and comfort of others. Honouring these boundaries is a small but meaningful step toward making public transport safer for everyone.
UPDATE [2 APRIL]
In a statement shared with WORLD OF BUZZ on 1 April, KTMB confirmed that the presence of men in the women’s coach is not permitted and goes against the purpose of its introduction. KTMB also noted that its auxiliary police officers regularly patrol trains and advise passengers on the proper use of women-only coaches.
“All passengers are expected to respect and adhere to the guidelines, including the clear designation that the ladies coach is strictly for women only.”
Should you encounter any emergencies or non-compliance, passengers are advised to utilise the intercom button onboard, or contact KTMB’s auxiliary police at 03-2263 1194 for
immediate assistance.
Complaints or reports can also be made through KTMB’s official social media platforms to facilitate prompt response and further action.
Also read: Group of Men Spotted Relaxing in MRT Women’s Coach With Feet on Seats, RapidKL Takes Action
