Up Close and Personal with Malaysia's First Indian Lady LRT Driver

In the vibrant tapestry of Malaysia's cultural diversity, we find an inspiring figure - Mrs. Uma Devi Rengasamy.

Born in Bagan Serai, Perak, she's not just the first Malaysian Indian lady LRT transit officer - she's a living testament to the power of passion and perseverance. Uma Devi's story begins with an unshakable love for the railways. To her, being a transit officer isn't just a job - it's a lifelong calling. If you're not familiar with the lingo, she's a train driver, and she absolutely adores what she does.

Join us as we dive into the extraordinary journey of this trailblazing 43-year-old woman who has not only rewritten history but continues to inspire others along the way.

A Day in the Life

Being an LRT driver is far from a walk in the park. Uma Devi's days start early, often as early as 2 a.m., to prepare for her 4 a.m. shift. Her workday stretches for ten hours, demanding unwavering focus and an unerring eye for the unexpected. Train drivers must always be on their toes, ready to navigate any situation that might arise and ensure the safety of their passengers.

But the beauty of her job lies in more than just the service it offers. Uma Devi finds solace in those serene moments she gets to savor. One of her greatest pleasures is witnessing the sunrise from her unique vantage point. Starting her day with the tranquil beauty of dawn, she finds relaxation and a fresh burst of energy to embark on her shift. Yet, nothing thrills her more than the sight of passengers pouring onto her train during the bustling rush hour. It's a testament to their trust in her abilities, and she takes her responsibility for their safety very seriously.

And what makes this role even more special for Uma Devi is the multiracial environment in which she works. RapidKL, the public transport provider she's a part of, reflects the diversity of Malaysia's society. The harmonious blend of cultures, backgrounds, and languages is something she's particularly proud of and, in her own way, contributing to daily.

Balancing Life and Motherhood

Balancing a challenging career and motherhood is no small feat, but Uma Devi does it with grace. She's the proud parent of two remarkable girls, Vaagishwari, 13, and Sanjeneshwari, 9. Her husband, R. Kreetheran, 48, is her unwavering support, and understands the demands of her career. His constant encouragement is a pillar of strength for Uma Devi, particularly when her job calls her away at the crack of dawn or late into the night.

Steering into the Future

In 2023, Uma Devi celebrates her seventh year as a dedicated transit officer with Prasarana Malaysia Berhad. Her journey into the realm of LRT driving was a courageous leap, following an 11-year stint in customer service with KL Monorail. The transition was not without its challenges, but she approached it as a fresh life challenge, resolute in her determination to surmount any obstacles that came her way.

Yet, Uma Devi's ambitions extend far beyond the tracks she presently navigates. Her eyes are set on a unique and inspiring goal - she dreams of becoming the first woman to pilot Malaysia's high-speed train when the nation takes that bold step into the future.

Moreover, Uma Devi is not content with simply achieving her own dreams. She aspires to inspire and pave the way for other women to follow in her footsteps. Uma Devi envisions a future where more women embrace careers as transit officers, and she's heartened by the support she's received from Prasarana in nurturing this ambition.

Her journey stands as an enduring testament to the unyielding strength of the human spirit, shattering not only glass ceilings but also traditional gender barriers. It illuminates the extraordinary heights one can reach when one dares to dream and wholeheartedly pursue their aspirations with unwavering dedication, leaving an indelible mark on the world.