Kota Kinabalu: A total of 26 toilets at Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) are being refurbished in two phases at a total cost of RM11.8 million.
Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister and Minister responsible for City Hall (DBKK), Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, said this during a visit to inspect the toilet facilities at the airport, Thursday.
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He said the visit was prompted by public complaints regarding the condition and cleanliness of toilets at Sabah’s main international gateway.
“This is not about finding fault with anyone. The purpose of today’s visit is to understand what actions have been taken and what further steps will be taken to ensure that airport facilities, including toilets, are maintained at the best possible standard,” he said.
He added that other facilities such as lighting, parking areas, seating and concessions also require continuous monitoring, involving not only Malaysia Airports but also agencies such as Customs and Immigration.
KKIA Senior Airport Manager Jefry Ramli said the refurbishment covers 26 sets of toilets, each consisting of male, female and persons with disabilities (OKU) facilities.
Twenty sets have been completed, while six are still undergoing upgrading, expected to be fully finished by April or May 2026.
“When all works are completed, almost all toilets at KKIA will have a new look. We expect a significant improvement in user comfort,” he said.
Jefry explained that the refurbishment takes time because not all toilets can be closed simultaneously.
“At most, we only close five or six toilets at any one time, so passengers will still have access. This is why the project has to be done in phases,” he said.
He added that minor defects such as wet floors or water supply issues may occur after reopening, as some problems only appear during actual use.
“That is why we have a defect liability period of one year for each refurbished toilet, during which contractors are required to fix any defects,” he said.
Jefry also noted challenges with users unfamiliar with newer fittings, such as built-in bidets, while stressing that this does not excuse lapses in cleanliness or maintenance.
KKIA currently handles an average of 22,000 to 24,000 passengers daily for arrivals and departures combined, with numbers reaching up to 30,000 during peak seasons.
On cleanliness, he said toilet cleaning services operate 24 hours a day in three shifts, with more than 60 cleaners on duty per shift covering the entire airport, including toilets and public areas.
Joniston emphasised the importance of continuous monitoring and having cleaners stationed at toilets at all times to allow immediate action if conditions deteriorate.
“We do not want situations where a brief lapse becomes viral on social media and gives the impression that facilities are always in poor condition. Monitoring is key,” he said.
He added that while DBKK does not conduct inspections solely for airport toilets, overall cleanliness grading is carried out annually based on national criteria set by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government, applied nationwide.
