A Facebook post by DAP’s Seputeh MP Teresa Kok backing gender segregation on buses sparked a fiery debate on her social media page.

Some of the comments were critical of Kok, including one which asked the lawmaker to “get your head straight”.

“Segregation in buses? Why not trains, planes, classrooms and everywhere else? Issues about respect for women are not solved by creating separate environments. You of all people should know that,” said one comment.

Kok, when contacted, said her stance was based on the principle of putting travelling women at ease and not moral policising.

She pointed out that even KTM had implemented women-only coaches.

“I hope people see clarity in what context it is raised,” she said.

Kok’s Facebook post was responding to a Malay Mail Online report highlighting the move by long-haul bus operator TransMalaya Ekpres to segregate the seats on its buses by gender.

The bus operator said women are allowed to choose if they want to sit in the women’s section or are okay to sit with the male section, while Muslim couples will be asked to present their marriage certificate.

Kok said while she disagreed with the specifics, such as having to present a marriage certificate, the legitimate concerns of women should be looked at.

Kok said she was speaking as a woman who had much experience taking long-haul buses when she was studying in a boarding school in Seremban and at USM in Penang where buses depart at midnight.

“There are times I have to sit with a big man where I found it uncomfortable as he kept pressing on my side.

“There have also been times when I dozed off in the bus and woke up to find my head laying on the shoulder of a man that I do not know.

“So you if you have real-life experience travelling long distance you will know what I mean,” she said.

A segregated section, Kok said, would put women at ease.

“But, for example, if (DAP parliamentary leader) Lim Kit Siang and I want to sit together to discuss something, we should be allowed to do so,” she said.

Commenters stress it should be a matter of choice

Some commenters on Kok’s Facebook page were also open to gender segregation on buses but stressed that it should be a matter of choice.

“The key point in this issue is forced segregation. Passengers should given a choice when purchasing tickets whether to sit next to someone of the opposite sex, and not having the bus company decides for passengers,” said one Facebook user.

Other Facebook users said the fact gender segregation was being considered was due to the state of Malaysian society.

“Only someone with a dirty mindset will cause these problems... Later, ferries and flights may also need to implement this. I feel it’s ridiculous,” said one.

Another Facebook user said: “Sorry, Teresa. I don’t agree. The main thing is manners and civic mindedness. Then, the issue of (sitting with a) male, female, gay, lesbian does not matter.”

A women’s section on buses is not unheard of and has been implemented in parts of India where there had been many reported molest cases.