Hong Kong minister rejects calls for sinks in toilet cubicles
Legislator Chen Zu Guang proposed installing hand basins inside individual toilet cubicles to enhance privacy and hygiene. Environment chief Tse Chin Wan said the move would reduce the number of cubicles, cause wet floors and increase waiting times.
A Hong Kong lawmaker has proposed that hand-washing basins be installed inside individual toilet cubicles in public toilets to improve privacy and reduce the risk of cross-contamination. The suggestion was made by Legislative Council member Chen Zu Guang, who cited research showing that allowing users to wash their hands before touching the cubicle door handle could lower infection risks.
In a written reply, Secretary for Environment and Ecology Tse Chin Wan outlined several practical concerns that prevented the government from adopting the proposal as a standard design for new and renovated toilets.
Tse noted that most public toilets and washrooms in country parks have limited total floor area. Expanding each cubicle to accommodate a sink would reduce the overall number of cubicles available. He also warned that washing hands inside the cubicle would increase waiting times for other users.
The minister added that water from hand washing could wet the floor, creating inconvenience and raising the risk of slips and falls. If a sink malfunctioned, the entire cubicle would have to be closed for repairs even if the toilet itself was working properly, directly affecting service and user experience.
Tse said the government would continue to monitor the latest developments and design trends in public hygiene facilities. Where feasible, new technology and equipment would be introduced to improve the hygiene standards and service quality of public toilets, meeting the expectations of residents and visitors for high-quality public amenities.