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Malaysia’s public rail network was recently featured in the French travel series Des trains pas comme les autres (Amazing Train Journeys), earning praise both locally and globally
The official episode description stated: “In the Kuala Lumpur metro in Malaysia, certain carriages are reserved exclusively for women. Marked by pink stripes, they offer a space where women can travel with greater peace of mind.”
Malaysian netizens took to social media to express their support for the initiative
In a comment, Instagram user @mustika02 quipped, “In Malaysia women are not equal to men. We’re special.”
On Threads, user @cik.kentangbatu shared: “The women’s coach is so practical when commuting to work. Even if we have to squeeze against other women, it doesn’t matter. I feel safe, and women support one another even if they are complete strangers.”
Another user, @fauzanizam, succinctly added that it boils down to “providing comfort and safety”.
The feature also sparked a broader conversation on Facebook, where international viewers noted that similar public transport measures exist globally
Facebook user Martine Carlier shared: “In Mexico, there have been pink buses reserved for women and their children for years.”
Meanwhile, commenter Olivier Noirot-Cosson noted that such measures transcend culture and religion.
“Nothing extraordinary, and nothing to do with religion. When I went to England in the 1970s, there were ‘women-only’ compartments. It is simply about respect and comfort,” he posted.
Meanwhile, some users expressed hope of seeing similar coaches in their countries
“I dream of having this in Europe,” Instagram user @sharliz__cohen4 d commented.
The women-only coaches were first introduced on KTM Berhad trains in 2010, before being expanded to the MRT Kajang Line and MRT Putrajaya Line by Prasarana Malaysia Bhd to provide a safer experience for female passengers.
View the French TV clip here: