By MP for Aljunied GRC, Low Thia Khiang
[Delivered in Committee of Supply on 11 March 2015]
There is a growing trend of molestation on public transport. In 2014, there were 164 reports of molestation; in 2011, there were only 114 reports. This is a 44% increase in 3 years.
Although the numbers seem small, I believe the reports are only the tip of the iceberg, as it is very embarrassing for many women to cry out in a crowded train and claim she was molested in front of everyone.
Molesters get away with their crime most easily when trains are packed during peak hours, with people standing very close to each other.
I doubt the current attempts at public education are working. National Crime Prevention Council posters in public transport showing a male attempting to molest a woman from behind and asking women to protect themselves may be backfiring. Internationally, such anti-crime campaigns and posters have been criticized for putting the onus on women to prevent the crime and promoting a culture of blaming the victim for the crime.
I urge the Minister to mandate the MRT service providers to have prominent signs on the floor and the doors, and within the cabins, to designate specific cabin as for women only.
Many train stations now have wardens on duty to guide peak hour traffic, the wardens could tell the men to move to other cabins. Japan and Taiwan have implemented women only cabin with success.
Although not all women will choose to take these cabins, but at least those who feel vulnerable or have had bad experiences will have the option of traveling to work and back home to their families with peace of mind.
I believe that men will automatically respect the women only cabin by refraining from entering the cabin during the peak hour. This is a sign of a mature society respecting the rights of women.