Concerns linger in regards to safety from the station gates to their home.

Malaysia has a relatively well-developed public transport network, with all-around connectivity and clean facilities on newer tracks. For many commuters though, concerns linger in regards to safety from the station gates to their home. Reasons like this have deterred a substantial number of commuters from utilising the benefits of public transport, particularly women. While the infrastructure standards of Malaysian railways are slowly improving, it is important to see just how development can be leveraged to enhance safety throughout the journey from gate to home.

In public, it is common knowledge that people are constantly under some sort of surveillance. This could be in the form of police officers patrolling about or closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras placed along busy streets. With the rising number of available public transportation infrastructure and its quality, there should also be an uplift in the safety measures surrounding the station. Better surveillance measures such as street lights, good road planning and more patrolling officers are some ways that encourage more people to use public transportation and lessen the usage of private vehicles congesting the road.

The big question

Back in 2022, a total of 261 crime cases were reported involving government-owned public transport systems provider Prasarana Malaysia Bhd regarding station facilities. This led to a strategic partnership with the police known as the RapidKL Safety Point pioneer project, a continuation of the police's initiative dating back to 2013 called Go To Safety Point, where select petrol stations and convenience stores were designated as early emergency response centres.

When it comes to CCTV cameras, they are primarily a reactive measure, though they do help with investigations and deter crime. Proactive infrastructure development and thoughtful real estate planning are better strategies.

All in all, is Malaysia ready to take its train stations to the next level? The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) deploys a special MRT police team and security officers trained by the Malaysia Royal Police Force. All MRT stations additionally have a head guard stationed to monitor day-to-day operations. These are common measures taken by most train stations worldwide. So what about beyond the stations?

Evil lurks in the shadows

Good lighting is one of the most effective deterrents to crime. Darkness adds an extra layer of stress and paranoia for those on foot. Poorly lit walkways, dark and dingy alleyways and dirty underpasses are an opportunistic criminal’s paradise. This falls under the responsibilities of the local municipalities to upgrade and maintain public infrastructure. 

Brighter-energy efficient light-emitting diodes (LED) are cheap and operate at minimal costs, so why aren’t there more of them? Train station exits, particularly in quieter suburban areas will benefit greatly from these forms of lighting. Staircases and parking areas also provide easy hiding spots for criminals, so a well-lit and guarded journey deters it greatly. This includes illuminating not only the immediate vicinity of the stations but also extending beyond and along the entire anticipated route.

Pedestrian pathways

Safety can be greatly increased by giving priority to walkable distances between stations and residential areas. To accomplish this, high-density housing, retail establishments and community centres can be located close to train stations via the Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) concept. Promoting mixed-use development near stations can create a vibrant atmosphere as well, discouraging loitering and criminal activity due to increased foot traffic during evenings. For those travelling late at night in particular, this lessens the need for remote and dimly lit pathways.

Police and trimmed foliage

The role of the police is to ensure safety, so establishing designated waiting areas with security personnel at strategic locations will consequently foster a sense of security. They should be well-trained to patrol surrounding vicinities and assist commuters in the event of an emergency because the responsibility of public transport entities can and should go beyond. Emergency call boxes throughout the station compound and surrounding walkways will allow immediate responses to incidents.

Creating safe public areas close to stations should be a priority. Reducing overgrown vegetation and foliage helps provide clear lines of sight for any shady characters. Landscapes that are kept up to date and public art displays can grow open plazas that have a feeling of community while also nurturing a more lively and safe environment.

It takes an extremely well-designed strategy to improve safety along the train station to one’s home. Create a safer environment for its people by emphasising well-lit streets, encouraging walkable communities, funding safe public areas and deploying sufficient trained security officers. Converging this vision into reality will require cooperation from property management firms, infrastructure developers and local law enforcement agencies. At the end of the day, Malaysia can promote increased use of public transportation while guaranteeing commuters feel safe and secure at their destinations by emphasising safety throughout the entire journey.

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