“Bangladeshi, Pakistani, and Indian men stare like it’s their first time seeing a woman.”
That was the blunt statement made by an expat woman in a viral TikTok.
Her comment has since reignited discussions about the importance of gender-segregated spaces in public transport.
While controversial, her remarks struck a chord with many women, both locals and foreigners, who said they had experienced the same discomfort on trains and buses.
“I don’t feel safe without it” – What the pink coach means to her
In her video, TikTok user @owenclairee praised Malaysia’s “pink coach,” a ladies-only section on certain trains.
She called it one of the best things to happen for women in the country’s public transport system.
She explained that for her, this initiative isn’t just about comfort but about safety, especially when dealing with unwanted attention.
Some of these men even follow you while maintaining eye contact. I’m not someone who is easily intimidated, but this behaviour aggravates me to the point where I confront them about it.”
To clarify, she added that her post wasn’t meant to stereotype all men from those nationalities, but to highlight repeated encounters that made her feel uneasy.
I’m just grateful that the country is making an effort to protect women.”
Stared at, followed, filmed – Women say it happens too often
Her video quickly gained traction. The comments section was filled with women who deeply related to what she said.
Many confirmed that they too had experienced uncomfortable stares, even when accompanied by their spouses or friends, making everyday commutes feel tense and unsafe.
“Their gaze can be annoying and disrespectful, scanning from head to toe, even when I’m standing right next to my wife,” wrote one user.
“It baffles me when they board the train and suddenly start recording people or making video calls,” another shared.
Even women from the very communities being mentioned stepped in to show support, suggesting that this was more of a behavioural pattern rather than a generalisation.
“Trust me, I get you as a Pakistani girl,” one commenter said.
With all these stories coming to light, many public transport users are now hoping that the pink coach idea can go beyond trains and be implemented on buses too.
Watch the full video here:
