Malls fail to provide for nursing mothers
Three shopping malls have failed the test when it comes to facilities for nursing mothers - because the facilities don't exist or they have hygiene problems.
Three shopping malls have failed the test when it comes to facilities for nursing mothers - because the facilities don't exist or they have hygiene problems.
That's according to a survey of 27 shopping malls carried out last month by political group New Century Forum.
It gave the thumbs down to The Lane in Tseung Kwan O, with a rating of 28 per cent, and WTC More in Causeway Bay, with 39 per cent. Neither mall has a nursing room.
Paradise Mall in Heng Fa Chuen provided the facility but it was found to be unhygienic, with rubbish strewn on the changing table and cockroaches sighted. It scored 42 per cent.
One mother at Paradise Mall yesterday, who did not wish to give her name, said the facilities were not too clean. "It's better than a public toilet. But we only ever use it in an emergency.
"It's not too bad; sometimes it's a bit grubby in there and the floor is wet," she said.
About one-third of the malls failed to provide a safety barrier around the changing table, according to the survey. Cityplaza Apita, in Tai Koo Shing, was criticised for not providing a washing facility in its nursing room.
Discovery Park in Tsuen Wan - top scorer with 89 per cent - MegaBox in Kowloon Bay, and Elements in Tsim Sha Tsui were commended for providing the works for nursing mums. That included thermometers, diapers, scarves, safety belts, baby chairs and designated parking spaces for pregnant women and shoppers with babies.
Study organiser Scarlett Pong Oi-lan, of New Century Forum and also a Sha Tin district councillor, said only a few of the malls visited complied with voluntary guidelines on babycare facilities introduced by the Buildings Department in 2009. "I am shocked that only a few malls follow the guidelines," said Pong said. "They should be mandatory."
Nursing rooms should be at least five square metres, while those including breastfeeding rooms should be at least 7.5 sq m, according to the guidelines.
