Public toilets at recreational parks should be easily accessible, but at the Sungai Pinji Madani Recreational Park in Tambun, Perak, locked facilities have left visitors feeling frustrated.
Park-goers have been facing the problem for years and they wonder why a facility in a public place is off-limits.
They hope the authorities would prioritise this basic need so the park could function as a people-friendly recreational space.
Food trader Jamel Mohd Kasa, 61, said the toilets – one for men and one for women – has been closed for awhile.
“Visitors often ask why the toilets are locked as it is an inconvenience to the public. The toilets here only open when there are events.
“As a result, people have to walk 150m to 200m to a petrol station opposite the park for restroom facilities,” he said, urging the authorities to look into the matter soon.
“Hire a caretaker and open the toilets from 6.45am to 10am and again in the evening from 5pm onwards, during peak exercising hours.
“This is a public space, so make it easier for everyone,” he said.
Vendor Nik Hassan Abdul Aziz, 44, said the toilet should be open from morning until 6pm, with a caretaker to manage it.
“It’s better to open it during the day so people don’t have to run across the road to the petrol station,” he said adding that this was for park-goers’ safety.
Retired police officer M. Elangovan, 66, has never seen the toilets open.
“Many people come here to exercise. Sometimes, when it is an emergency, we run to the petrol station’s toilet opposite the road.
“Why should people go to the petrol station when there are toilets here,” he asked.
Technician Noor Rosaidi Latiff, 52, echoed this, stating, “What’s the point of building toilets in the park if people cannot use it.”
He said the lack of access affected people of all ages.
He also highlighted the safety issue of people crossing the main road to get to the petrol station.
“Not everyone can easily walk to the petrol station. Many who come here are senior citizens.
“The younger ones might be able to run across the road, but older visitors or those with mobility issues will struggle,” he said.
Noor Rosaidi also said the closure affected families with young children, too.
“It becomes stressful if a child needs to visit the toilet. Parents have to pack up quickly or rush across the busy main road.
“It’s challenging and dangerous as cars come fast.
“If the toilet is open, it makes the park safer and more convenient for everyone,” he added.
Lorry driver K. Ravindran, 36, said the park’s public toilets have been closed for about three years.
“I work in Singapore and have returned for holidays. I recall the toilet being open late at night, but at some point it was closed completely,” he said.
Ravindran said the toilet closure affected those exercising after work.
“Many would like to change from their office clothes into sportswear without having to go all the way home first,” he said.
“Just open it for a few hours in the morning and evening.”
Another visitor who declined to be named suggested charging a fee and allowing people to use the toilet.
The visitor added that some folk might end up relieving themselves in hidden corners or behind trees.
“That’s not only unhygienic but also uncomfortable for other park-goers. A functioning toilet is part of maintaining a clean recreational environment.
“A toilet is essential for older visitors especially those with health conditions.
“Opening the toilet will add to visitors’ comfort at the park.
“I hope the relevant authorities can provide clarity on why the toilet has remained closed for such a long period and take proactive steps to open the facility for use,” the visitor said.
Make toilets accessible
Councillor at the Ipoh City Council (MBI) Datuk Mazlan Abd Rahman said as the park was also a retention pond, the toilets are under the management of the Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID).
He agreed that it was important for the facility to be open to the public.
“I visited the park recently and requested that DID and the city council work together to manage the toilet,” he said.
“If DID is unable to maintain it, hand it over to the city council which can manage it or appoint a caretaker.”
He said keeping the toilet closed was inconvenient for all.
“Right now, people walk to the petrol station to relieve themselves,” he said, adding that he had received numerous complaints about the issue.
“This month, 10 people called me on this matter and others have commented on my Facebook page, urging that the toilet be opened.
“For safety reasons, the toilet should be accessible,” he said, adding it should be open from 8am to 6pm.
Handing over to city council
State DID director Dr Asnor Muizan Ishak said the Sungai Pinji Madani Recreational Park was built to receive excess water from Sungai Pinji.
He said DID was responsible for managing the pond area before the Land Reserve Lease (PTR) was handed over to the city council to develop the site into a recreational park.
“According to an Ipoh City Council letter received by DID in early 2025, DID is responsible for managing water bodies, while the land is managed by the city council.
“The Sungai Pinji retention pond has toilets supervised by the DID.
“These facilities are solely for the use of DID personnel carrying out maintenance in the Hulu Kinta area and are not open to the public,” he said.
In response to requests and complaints about the locked toilets, he said DID submitted a handover letter on Oct 27 this year, asking MBI to take over the management of the park area and its toilets.
“DID is requesting for the city council to take over the entire area, including the water body (retention pond), as the management boundaries between agencies have not been clearly defined.
“DID has not received the PTR documents or maps regarding the land boundary,” he said.
Based on Perak DID’s Public Complaint Management System records, the department received two complaints about the Sungai Pinji retention pond, both on operational issues.
“DID continues to carry out regular monitoring and inspections related to water body issues at the retention pond.
“However, matters on governance and operation of toilet facilities must be discussed with MBI particularly regarding entrance fees as DID does not have the authority to collect such revenue,” he said.
