Male drivers in Malaysia say car park safety measures should be strengthened for all users, not just women, citing insufficient lighting and patrols.
PETALING JAYA: The abduction and murder of Canny Ong in a shopping mall car park in 2003 shocked the nation and forced a reckoning over safety in parking areas, leading to sweeping changes in how such spaces are designed and monitored.
The case prompted many malls and private premises to introduce women-designated parking bays located closer to entrances, lifts and surveillance points.
However, more than two decades on, several male drivers told theSun that they do not always feel safe in multi-storey and basement car parks, particularly at night, and believe security design should be strengthened for all users, rather than centred on gender-specific parking zones.
Petaling Jaya-based human resources officer Rafiq Salleh, 28, said his sense of safety in such spaces remains limited.
“There is always a chance of crime, especially in isolated areas such as these.”
He added that assumptions about male physical strength do not necessarily translate into real protection.
“The assumption may come from men’s physique overall, but assailants tend to bring weapons, which may reduce unarmed men’s chances of fighting back.”
Legal associate Einstein A. Richard, 25, said: “I would say it is normal for any individual to be alert in this situation. The recent rise in crime activities in Malaysia may also contribute to the feeling of ‘unsafeness’.”
He said society often conditions men to believe they can cope better in risky situations.
“I think individuals in most parts of the world are conditioned to assume that men are physically more capable than women.”
On existing safety measures, he said they are insufficient and unsustainable as a long-term solution.
“A proactive step would be education and exposure regarding these issues.”
Entrepreneur Muhammad Rizqan, 26, from Johor, said he avoids such areas at night whenever possible and views women-only parking spaces as a limited measure.
“It is just one initiative for women to feel safe. It feels a bit insignificant. More important steps are reliable guards and CCTV.”
Marketing worker Muhammad Aizat Zainol, 27, from Kuala Lumpur, said danger at night is not limited by gender.
“Night-time is a dangerous time for everyone because it is when we are less aware of the situation as it is dark and danger can come without us realising.
“People forget that not all men are able to handle dangerous situations, especially those without self-defence knowledge.”
Marketing operations specialist Ammar Azman, 36, from Kuala Lumpur, said he generally feels safe but remains vigilant.
“I feel safe but I try to be aware of my surroundings in case there are any suspicious people around me.”
He supported improvements beyond gender-based zones.
“Parking lot safety is not sufficient in most places. There should be security guards going around doing regular checks of the area.”
Private sector worker Muhammad Imran Fahmi Anuar, 26, from Puncak Alam, said the risks cut across gender.
“As a man, I also feel unsafe walking alone in basement or multi-storey car parks, especially at night, because people can have a lot of different ill-intentions, be it to rob, rape or even kill, everyone can be targeted no matter what gender you are.”
He said stronger, more comprehensive safety systems are needed.
“Safety design could be improved for everyone. Car park safety should rely on all features and aspects to make it as safe and secure as possible.”
Across responses, men voiced support for women-focused measures but stressed that lighting, surveillance, regular patrols and access control remain decisive factors in shaping how safe car parks feel in practice.
