By Fazleena Aziz

What started out as a challenge became a passion for RapidKL customer transit officer (CTO) Nur Farhana Rahmat, who is one the two female train drivers for the Ampang Line.

Farhana, 26, who is into her second year as a CTO faced criticism initially.

"Some of them said women are a nuisance and not fit for this job.

"I beg to differ because gender is not an obstacle to do anything.

"If you are interested in pursuing something that is out of the norm or dominated by men, you have to prove the sceptics wrong.

"I like a job that is challenging and my first day as a CTO was scary as I was still trying to get used to the instructions given.

"Our main priority is the safety of passengers and this is a big responsibility.

"We have to undergo a three-month training course where we learn how to drive as well as about the specs and train system.

"We have to be prepared in case of an emergency and know how to inform passengers, drop them off safely and follow instructions from the control centre.

"In this job, there are times when passengers are sceptical about women drivers but you have to be focused on your job.

"However, there are moments when people acknowledge us as competent drivers," Farhana said.

She said her mother was her greatest supporter.

Sutina Johari

For Sutina Johari, becoming a CTO was a chance of a lifetime.

"The difference between driving a train and a car is the huge responsibility of having 1,200 people depending on you to get them safely to their destination.

"I think anybody can do this job but they must be responsible," said Sutina, 23.

"We have to ensure that the passengers are also comfortable, especially after a hard day's work.

"We have to make sure that no one gets caught between the doors and the passengers get inside safely.

"The braking system and the doors are not automatic, so we have to be alert.

"Not many women are aware of this job or maybe they are not ready to take on the risk.

"I did face scepticism and criticism from my fellow colleagues initially and they questioned my ability because I was a woman.

"But I guess they are just so used to being around men and perhaps felt threatened.

"I took all this in my stride," said Sutina.

Currently RapidKL has 114 CTOs, who go through compulsory training conducted by a professional trainer.