Dry at the malls: closed toilets, disposable tableware and mineral water

At Aeon Big Subang Jaya, most of the toilets are closed to the public, though some desperate people go in anyway.

SHOPPING malls affected by the water disruption in the Klang Valley have opted to streamline their operations by having only selected toilets open to the public.

At Sunway Pyramid, cleaners or staff members are stationed at temporarily-closed toilets to direct shoppers to the nearest available toilets.

Sunway Malls operations general manager Jason Chin said in a statement that Sunway Pyramid was responding to the current water shortage with great urgency, placing full emphasis on trying to make shoppers as comfortable as possible. 

“Selected restrooms in the mall are operating as usual. However, we ask for shoppers’ understanding if the cleanliness of the restrooms are not be up to the standard they are accustomed to.

“Our food and beverage (F&B) operators are encouraged to use disposable tableware as a temporary measure to conserve water,” he said.

To ensure the comfort and personal hygiene of babies and toddlers, Chin said Sunway Pyramid had taken extra measures by placing wet wipes, hand sanitizers and bottled waters in their baby rooms. 

“Similar amenities and adult diapers are also available at the mall’s concierge counter for customers who might find these handy due to the scarcity of water,” he said.

“Today (Friday) marks the fourth day without water, and it is beginning to turn into a challenge for us to ensure the comfort of our shoppers,” he added.

While a water cut is not something new for the mall, Chin said its storage tanks were running critically low due to the prolonged interruption.

“We are trying to draw supplies from any available source to fill in the tanks at the moment.

“While these measures are implemented, we are also ensuring that sufficient water remains untouched for fire-fighting purposes. We cannot compromise on safety even during water crisis,” he said, adding that both tenants and shoppers were advised to conserve the use of available water.

Meanwhile a check at Aeon Big Subang Jaya revealed most of the toilets to be closed to the public.

The toilets were cordoned off, with signs posted explaining that closure was due to the water cut.

A staff member said only the toilet on the upper floor had water supply, while taps on the lower floors had dried up.

It was the same at Subang Parade, where most toilets were closed. Shoppers had to ask the mall’s security guards or cleaners which toilets remained open.