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SCMP Reporter

We need mature discussion on issue of helpers
Eric Kee ('It is employers of domestic helpers who need protection', May 23) makes a number of telling comments about the situation of many domestic helpers in Hong Kong. 
Mr Kee seems to be dismayed by the fact that potential domestic helpers 'interview' their prospective employers. 
I for one would hope this is true and surely such a situation would actually support Mr Kee's assertion that helpers have more choice than many people seem to imagine. 
If they are able to ask questions as to what their living conditions are going to be then they are able to make a more informed decision. This should be applauded. 
Mr Kee's misplaced pride in his Victorian-style benevolence ('We offer our domestic helper HK$4,500 per month') would be laughable if he did not so obviously believe that he is being hugely generous. 
May I remind Mr Kee that in Britain, for example, where the minimum wage is approximately HK$70 per hour, for the number of hours that many helpers seem to work he would be paying more in one week to his helper than he does currently in one month, plus food and a 'nice room' in the house. 
I would also be interested to learn why Mr Kee thinks that because, at least in his mind, helpers have plenty of freedom of choice and benefits that we should stop publicly discussing issues of abuse. 
Why is that, even if true, which of course it is abundantly not, of any relevance? 
I fear that Mr Kee's opinion is widespread. Surely as a maturing society we can admit there are substantial issues concerning the many thousands of domestic helpers and their treatment in Hong Kong. 
To try to persuade us that it is the employers who are the aggrieved parties in this very one-sided power relationship is ridiculous. 
It is fast becoming necessary, if it is not already overdue, for all of us to examine the way that our city treats its more vulnerable residents and, while this may result in some short-term wringing of hands and gnashing of teeth, the longer-term result will be a much more civilised and responsible society.
Joseph Wariner, Sha Tin  
MTR should take initiative
I refer to the letter by Stefan Lam Kit-yung ('Women-only rail carriages', May 14).
Hong Kong is often called an 'international city'. Therefore, I cannot believe that the government has done nothing about this matter.
I strongly believe that women-only rail carriages are needed in Hong Kong on the MTR. 
Hong Kong is a crowded place where public transport is important and popular. 
In such small carriages, physical contact with others is  inevitable. Sometimes it is difficult to ascertain if the contact is intentional or not. 
If there is contact with a woman and she fears it is intentional, she may prefer not to report the case.  Also, it may be difficult to prove someone is using the camera on their mobile phone in an improper manner. This can give rise to misunderstandings on carriages. 
Therefore, I think the simplest solution is to have women-only rail carriages.  
Critics might say that it is difficult to make this adjustment in a mass transit system, however, I think this is a poor excuse.
We cannot neglect the fact that women might sometimes be in danger.  
It may not be feasible to have an additional carriage for this purpose. 
Therefore, I think a carriage should be designated for only female passengers at specified times, during the busiest times of the day for commuters - 7am to 9am and 5pm to 8pm.  
The government should look at how this system operates successfully in Japan.  
In addition the government and the MTR Corporation must get the message across to passengers that molestation of women is unacceptable.  It is important that Hong Kong is seen as being a safe international city. 
Katie Fan, Yau Ma Tei
Get tough with bad behaviour
Given the behaviour of some passengers, I believe there should be more surveillance in MTR stations.  
The MTR Corporation should deploy more staff in its carriages to deter people from infringing the by-laws.  
For example, sometimes when I travel on an MTR train, I see people shouting.  On other occasions, I have seen some passengers eating and drinking. 
I think if more staff patrolled MTR carriages there would be a reduction in improper behaviour.  
Also I think the fines for such behaviour should be increased to act as a deterrent. 
Irene Lee, Sha Tin
Helping hand for all disabled
It is a good news for the disabled that the MTR Corporation is considering offering concessions to the disabled under two categories - people with 100 per cent handicap and people who are disabled allowance recipients.
I think that the policy should be extended to all holders of a registration card for people with disabilities issued by the Central Registry for Rehabilitation or  otherwise it will be felt that discrimination exists, implying that people with disabilities but living on their hard-earned money from their employment instead of receiving a disabled allowance from the government, are not treated equally.  
Card holders are already entitled to  half-price admission to  sports and recreational facilities  run by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department.  
Our society should not be adopting double standards.  
A policy aimed at helping the disabled should cover all those people with a disability. 
We all have to deal with transport costs on a daily basis. Persons with a disability will spend a substantial amount every day travelling to and from work. 
Some people with a disability who need someone to go out with them, may, as a consequence, be confined at home.  
Public transport providers must recognise this and they must appreciate that they have a social responsibility to help those in need. 
It is not good enough just to have a sign asking able-bodied passengers to give a seat to someone in need. 
Wilson Kwok, Wong Tai Sin 
Hygiene a serious issue
I refer to the letter by Martin Brinkley ('We need real policies that fix our problems, not publicity stunts', May 24) about hygiene problems in Hong Kong.
Mr  Brinkley referred to Disneyland on Lantau.  
Actually, the theme park could do more in this regard. 
I read a report in an American newspaper about Disneyland in Florida.  In order to handle the daily crowds, Disney has a comprehensive plan of refuse removal to keep the theme park clean.  
The Hong Kong government needs to learn lessons from Disneyland in the US and ensure that the Lantau attraction is kept clean at all times.  
In terms of hygiene in Hong Kong, we must learn from the experience   gained during the severe acute respiratory syndrome outbreak.
A lack of public hygiene and the density of buildings in the city, contributed to the spread of the virus.  
In that regard, I do not want to see an increase in the population density and, therefore, I do not think that the government should ease height restrictions on buildings.  
John Yuan, Beijing



Letters