She had her rights too and she paid for the fare no? just like everyone else. But of course she should know to give up to seat for those who really in need.
Let me share my experiences taking the trains in KL, Regular Train, Commuter Train, LRT & Monorail....commuter train by KTM etc.KTM has special seat allotment for elderly etc..there was even one carriage for WOMAN ONLY; in which I sat in & wondered why everybody there was a woman! until I was shooed off, the LRT/Monorail during rush hours are packed like sardines, the are signs to remind, but people who see elderly, they AUTOMATICALLY GIVE UP THE SEAT....but it is not compulsory, if you don't get one..too bad, suffer like the rest of the commuters.
This was the same in Taipei,the LRT, monorail etc., they have signs that say give seats to elderly etc... same thing as in Malaysia, it is up to you to AUTOMATICALLY give up the seat....but nobody going force you, or make noises, if you do not.
The key point is...it is good manners to give up your seat, but if your require that seat, nobody forces you to...but you are gently reminded by the signs...it still up to you.
Not, the pretend to be gracious, good manners pretenders as in SINGAPOREANS, who INSIST THAT YOU GIVE UP THE SEAT...In Taipei, they Q without being told to board & disembark...in KL, it is every man or animal for himself or herself, when the train arrives..but like I had mentioned...you are an old man or woman or a pregnant woman....someone will graciously get up & give you that seat...
No need to 'mother or father tell you" as in SINGAPORE!!