M’sian Commuter Left Disappointed After Helping Pregnant Lady Get a Seat on LRT, Only to Receive Zero Thanks

Public transport etiquette is a frequent topic of discussion among daily commuters in Malaysia, serving as a constant reminder of how small acts of consideration can make shared journeys smoother for everyone.

Taking to Threads, user @oyienlunna shared a recent experience on a crowded LRT train after stepping up to help a heavily pregnant commuter find a seat, using the opportunity to highlight the importance of daily courtesy and situational awareness.

“My experience helping a heavily pregnant lady on the LRT: We queued up together at Ampang Park. When we boarded the train, all seats were full, and she looked pale and exhausted… I politely asked a man, ‘Sir, this lady is pregnant, can you give her the seat?'” the user recalled in her thread.

Asking a fellow commuter to yield a seat

The encounter began at the Ampang Park station, where the user noticed the pregnant lady looking visibly tired while standing in the crowded aisle. Seeing a male passenger seated nearby who might not have realised her condition, the user stepped in to advocate on her behalf.

Upon being asked, the male commuter immediately apologised and offered his seat to the pregnant woman.

However, as the ride continued, the user noticed that the commuter remained focused on her phone without acknowledging the gesture or interacting with those nearby.

As the train became increasingly packed at subsequent stations, an elderly woman carrying two heavy bags and using a walking stick boarded the train, standing near the doors.

When another seat opened up further down the row, the user waved the elderly woman over to sit down.

“The auntie came over to my spot. Just imagine, the train was narrow and packed with standing passengers. This auntie was carrying two bags while holding a walking stick, struggling to walk from where she stood to the seat I offered,” the user shared.

The user noted that while pregnant mothers certainly deserve rest and priority seats, commuters in general could help make space for elderly passengers by shifting seats or helping manage bags during peak hours.

A gentle reminder about everyday gratitude

Coincidentally, both the user and the pregnant lady exited the LRT at the exact same destination, Alam Megah station.

“When we exited the train, I touched her shoulder and said, ‘Sis, you are welcome ya.’ But her face remained completely blank, as if she couldn’t connect the dots,

“I actually wanted to test her reaction and give her a chance to say something if she really forgot to say thank you. It’s important for me to see if she was aware that a stranger helped her,not just in this incident with me, but also for future encounters with others. By doing so, maybe she would realise. But I didn’t expect her to just zone out completely when I said ‘you’re welcome’.” she shared with WORLD OF BUZZ.

Building a more mindful commuting culture

Reflecting on the experience, the user emphasised that while pregnancy and commuting stress can easily leave anyone feeling exhausted or overwhelmed, simple habits like saying “thank you” help foster goodwill on public transit.

“It takes courage for me to speak to a stranger on her behalf. It costs nothing to show some gratitude.

“Always be aware of your surroundings and alert to the comfort of others. Besides the basic rule of giving up seats to those in need, pay attention to other details too. For instance, if you get a seat, place your bag on your lap rather than on the floor at your feet, which restricts space and makes standing passengers uncomfortable. The key is to always be concerned about others’ convenience.” the user shared with WORLD OF BUZZ.

What are your thoughts on commuting etiquette in Malaysia? Share your experiences in the comments section below!

Also read: M’sian Woman Shares How She Only Paid RM130 For Childbirth Despite Nearly RM4K Hospital Bill as a Frequent Blood Donor