I refer to the article headlined, 'Hygiene takes front seat in the toilet revolution' (South China Morning Post, September 25), where it was revealed that foreigners 'cry, smile, scream and jump' when they encounter the public toilets on the mainland.
Hong Kong is one of the world's most important financial centres and yet the conditions of the toilets here are very bad.
Most of Hong Kong's public toilets are filthy and they smell awful. The floors are wet and the ventilation is poor. No toilet paper or detergents are available. Sometimes there is no running water for flushing or washing hands.
I am sure most people would be loath to sit on the toilets in any public conveniences. They would rather wait until they get back home or get to the office.
Even the toilets in some upmarket restaurants leave a lot to be desired. Sometimes, this can put patrons off returning to the restaurant on a future occasion.
I understand there is a proposal to put detergents and paper in public toilets. I support this proposal. I also believe that people who misuse the toilets should be fined.
