Mothers in Ipoh have expressed their support for the Perak government’s efforts to increase the number of breastfeeding-friendly facilities in the city. Businesswoman Nadjwa Fatheeha Marlan, 36, stated that these facilities would make it more convenient for her to breastfeed her eight-month-old baby. While some mothers are comfortable breastfeeding in public, Marlan prefers to utilize a proper designated room, which some shopping centers in Ipoh already have. These rooms provide a comfortable chair, hot and cold water dispensers, and even diaper-changing areas. Additionally, Marlan suggested that recreational sites should also have similar facilities to accommodate nursing mothers.
Marlan shared that she occasionally breastfeeds her baby in the car when they are at a recreational site. However, she believes that having a designated room at such locations would be more convenient. These rooms do not necessarily need to have air-conditioning but should be clean and comfortable, according to Marlan.
In response to the need for facilities for breastfeeding mothers in recreational areas and transportation hubs, Perak’s housing and local government committee chairman Sandrea Ng announced on August 27 that the state government will consider these requirements in its upcoming budget preparation.
Emma, another mother from Ipoh, commended the Perak government for taking this initiative. She explained that while she doesn’t mind breastfeeding her babies in public, she understands why some mothers may feel uncomfortable doing so. Emma suggested that Polo Ground in Ipoh would be an ideal place to start implementing breastfeeding facilities, particularly in an unused hut near the public toilet. She rarely sees anyone using that area and believes that placing a curtain or portable wall around it would greatly facilitate breastfeeding mothers.
Emma also emphasized that while breastfeeding in public should be normal and accepted, mothers should have the choice to feed their babies in a location where they feel comfortable.
