PUTRAJAYA: E-hailing companies are encouraged to provide female driver options for women passengers as part of efforts to improve their safety and comfort, said Transport Minister Anthony Loke.
He said the option would give women passengers an alternative that prioritises their well-being when using e-hailing services.
“This is a feature that I hope our women leaders can promote. When using e-hailing services, one of the available options should be the ability to choose a female driver,” he said in his speech at the Wanita DAP National Congress 2026 here today in his capacity as the party’s secretary-general.
Loke said he had also urged e-hailing companies to introduce carpooling options exclusively for women passengers.
“I suggested that carpooling should include a women-only option, allowing female passengers to share rides only with other women,” he said.
On rail services, Loke said safety measures continued to be strengthened through the provision of women-only coaches, following frequent complaints received by the ministry regarding sexual harassment, particularly during peak hours.
He noted that women make up nearly two-thirds of total rail passengers, making their protection a priority.
Meanwhile, Loke said efforts to empower women in the transport sector also included creating more opportunities in fields traditionally dominated by men, including aviation and maritime industries.
He said gender stereotypes in these sectors must be challenged to ensure women are given opportunities based on their abilities.
“We believe that if men can fly aircraft, women can do the same. If women can drive, why can’t they fly aircraft? These stereotypes must be changed,” he said. – BERNAMA
