Be mindful of those in need of public transport

DURING a recent trip on the LRT Shah Alam line, I saw an elderly woman enter the train with a walking stick, carrying a heavy shopping bag. She stood near the priority seats, struggling to keep her balance as the train moved.

The passengers who occupied the seats were young and healthy, but all were focused on their phones. Eventually, one of them noticed her, stood up and offered her his seat.

That experience made me reflect on how technology can influence the way people behave in public spaces.

Today, headphones and smartphones are part of people’s daily lives. They help us stay connected, entertained and informed. There is nothing wrong with using them.

However, they can also create invisible barriers between us and people around us. When we become too focused on our screens, we may fail to notice someone who needs help or even a simple act of kindness.

Researchers who conducted an observational study involving more than 1,200 passengers on a mass rapid transit system found that 41% of those who were seated actively used their mobile phones throughout their journey (https://tinyurl.com/5ac2aumc).

While technology makes travelling more convenient, it can also reduce our awareness of what is happening around us if we become too absorbed in our devices.

Malaysians are known for being respectful, kind and caring. These values should not be sidelined simply because we live in the digital age. A modern society is not determined only by advanced technology but also how its people treat one another in everyday life.

The small actions we take, such as offering a seat to those who need it, helping someone carry a bag or simply paying attention to our surroundings, can make a significant difference in another person’s day.

The next time we are on a train, perhaps we should take a moment to look up from our screen and remove our headphones. A message can wait, a song can be paused, but an opportunity to help someone may come up.

A comfortable journey depends not only on efficient trains and modern facilities but also on passengers’ consideration for one another.

SHAMIL HAZEEM KHAIRUL AZLY

Public Relations student

Faculty of Communication and Media Studies

Universiti Teknologi MARA Shah Alam