CCTV in diaper changing room installed “some time ago” to deter unauthorised access & use
UPDATE (26 Sept): In response to MS News‘ queries, a Northpoint City spokesperson stated that the CCTV in the diaper changing room has been removed as it is “no longer necessary”.
The CCTV was deemed unnecessary, as another camera had already been installed along the corridor leading to the diaper changing room.
The spokesperson explained that the CCTV was installed “some time ago” to deter unauthorised access and use. The camera was also carefully positioned and partially masked to ensure the diaper changing stations were not within its view.
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A parent has raised concerns over the presence of a CCTV camera inside a baby changing room at Northpoint City, questioning whether it compromises the privacy of mothers and children using the facility.
The issue surfaced on Wednesday (24 Sept) when the Redditor shared his experience on the AskSingapore Subreddit.
CCTV installed in baby changing room in a mall
byu/EmuNarrow2047 inaskSingapore
CCTV positioned near nursing room
Recalling the incident, the Redditor said he was changing his child’s diaper on Sunday (21 Sept) night when he saw the CCTV camera inside the baby changing area.
“I was shocked and angry, as I believe this area should be a safe and private space for families, mothers, and children,” said the parent, who wished to remain anonymous.
The parent clarified with MS News that the camera was installed in the diaper changing section of the family/nursing room. The room also included a nursing room separated by a door.
Source: MS News reader
While the nursing room provided some privacy, the original poster (OP) noted that husbands may step out while mothers are not fully dressed, increasing the risk of being caught on camera.
Source: MS News reader
After noticing the CCTV, the OP sought clarification from the mall staff. However, no mall personnel were available at the time.
Instead, the OP was allegedly told by security personnel that the footage is “censored” and that the camera was installed for safety purposes.
The OP left his mobile number with security staff, but no one contacted him after three days.
Mall management allegedly cites safety concerns
According to the post, the OP followed up with an email to Frasers Property, which manages Northpoint City.
In a subsequent reply, Frasers reiterated that the CCTV was installed for safety reasons.
However, the OP said they failed to address concerns about potentially exposing nursing mothers.
Source: MS News reader
“We are extremely disappointed with the lack of concern and empathy,” the OP wrote in a subsequent update to his Reddit post.
He also urged other parents to speak up if they share similar worries about the issue.
Netizens share possible reasons for CCTV in baby changing room
A netizen suggested that the camera was likely installed to prevent inappropriate activities in the baby changing room.
Source: Reddit
A Redditor recounted a time when a cleaner chased two teenagers out of a locked nursing room.
Source: Reddit
A commenter suggested a camera doorbell, but the OP responded that one had already been installed.
Source: Reddit
In response to MS News queries, Northpoint City acknowledged concerns over a CCTV camera placed near the diaper changing room entrance.
A spokesperson for Northpoint City said: “The camera was installed some time ago as a precautionary measure to deter unauthorised access and use. It was carefully positioned and partially masked to ensure the diaper changing stations were not within its view. We would like to reassure the public that no private areas were captured, and access to footage has always been strictly limited to authorised purposes.”
Northpoint City said the nursing room was never monitored, and the diaper changing room camera has since been removed.
“As part of our ongoing commitment to privacy, safety and community trust, we remain committed to providing a safe, respectful, and comfortable environment for all our visitors.”
Also read: Virgin Active Explains ‘Changing Room’ CCTVs But S’poreans Express Privacy Concerns
Virgin Active Explains ‘Changing Room’ CCTVs But S’poreans Express Privacy Concerns
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Featured image adapted from MS News reader & Northpoint City, Singapore on Facebook.
