Set up unit to monitor public toilet cleanliness

SHAH ALAM - All 155 local authorities (PBT) throughout the country should set up a unit to monitor the cleanliness of public toilets and implement maintenance scheduling.

Local Government Development Minister Nga Kor Ming said it was to ensure that public toilets were always clean, functioning properly and in order.

"Cleanliness of public toilets is closely related with the country's image especially in major tourist destinations or at the country's entry points.

"Besides that, public toilets with a "BMW" standard which is bersih (clean), menawan (attractive) and wangi (smell good) will improve the people's perception towards the PBT," he said in a Facebook post on Tuesday.

Nga said he made a spontaneous visit to a popular tourist destination in Dataran Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur to personally observe the cleanliness of public toilets.

He said he received multiple complaints from the people regarding the condition of the public toilets in the area.

"I found that the level of cleanliness of the public restrooms in Dataran Merdeka were decent and the lighting systems were functioning well.

"However, I saw some parts of the ceiling in the male restroom were damaged, the hand soap was not refilled and some of the taps were not functioning," he said.

He said he also saw several problems that needed to be fixed in the area such as the grass which has bald patches, stalls which were dilapidated and electric fuse box which was not switched off properly which could be dangerous for visitors.

"I will meet with Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Mahadi Che Ngah as soon as possible.

"The ministry under my leadership will find the best methods so that the infrastructure or public facilities built with the people's money could be looked after and maintained well and always in a satisfactory condition," he said.

He stated that the maintenance culture should be emphasised and taken seriously by all government agencies.