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FROM a young age, we are taught that the cleanliness of a place can be judged by the state of its toilets. A clean, fresh toilet gives confidence that the rest of a building is well managed. 

Unfortunately, this expectation is frequently unmet in many public facilities today.

Toilets are among the most frequently used facilities in homes and public spaces, yet they remain one of the most neglected. 

For many, the image of a public toilet is depressingly familiar: wet floors, leaking cisterns, broken or missing toilet seats, malfunctioning flushes, unpleasant odours, non-functioning hand dryers or a lack of paper hand towels, and empty toilet paper holders. 

Such conditions discourage use unless absolutely necessary. Public complaints are loud, persistent, and justified. 

While some management bodies such as Suria Sabah, Imago Shopping Mall have made commendable efforts to improve their facilities, many others remain indifferent.

Public toilets, particularly in high-traffic areas, are well known as potential breeding grounds for germs. 

Poor maintenance therefore poses serious hygiene and public health risks. Yet authorities often appear to be fighting a losing battle. 

In both public and some private hospitals, signs of neglect are evident and toilet cubicles that are routinely locked, leaving only one or two available despite heavy usage. 

All cubicles should be accessible. Locked cubicles inevitably raise questions about whether they are being used for storage or simply to reduce cleaning duties. 

Hospitals, of all places, should set the benchmark for cleanliness, yet this is often not the case. Such conditions raise serious concerns about whether management and or the people in charge of maintenance are adequately performing their responsibilities.

Toilets in public spaces such as markets, parks, and recreational areas present another area of concern. When users are charged a fee, there should be no excuse for poor conditions. 

A notable exception can be found at Nabalu, along the route to Kinabalu Park. 

These privately managed toilets, serving both local and foreign tourists, are cleaned hourly, fully stocked with toilet paper, and maintained in excellent working order. 

This example proves that proper management, regular inspection, and accountability make good toilet maintenance entirely achievable.

Airport toilets are another major disappointment. Despite repeated upgrades and renovations, familiar problems persist: wet floors, leaking fixtures, wet sink counters, and empty toilet paper holder. 

The lack of routine inspection is evident. This stands in sharp contrast to airports in neighbouring Southeast Asian countries, such as Singapore, where toilet cleanliness and functionality are treated as non-negotiable standards rather than afterthoughts.

The situation in kopitiams and even some long-established restaurants is equally troubling. 

Toilets are often used as storage areas, leaving little room for customers to manoeuvre comfortably; gymnastic skills would be an advantage.   

For food establishments, hygiene should be utmost top priority and non-negotiable, yet toilet cleanliness appears to be among the least prioritised aspects of operations.

Politicians, policymakers, and tourism stakeholders are well travelled. 

They have seen first-hand how clean, well-designed, and well-maintained toilets enhance public comfort and shape a country’s image. 

That exposure should translate into practical policies and stricter enforcement at all local level. 

Toilets are a basic necessity, used by everyone regardless of age, health, or social status. Improving their condition is not a luxury; it is a reflection of our collective standards.

If we truly aspire to be a nation that values public health and welcomes tourists, especially for Visit Malaysia Year 2026, we must start by getting the basics right. 

Clean, accessible, and well-maintained toilets are a good place to begin.

Borneo Golden Girl

 

The views expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of the Daily Express. If you have something to share, write to us at: Forum@dailyexpress.com.my