FOR the past few months, a food court in Taman Setia Indah, Johor Baru has been seeing an unusual surge of non-diners coming to use its facilities.
“Previously, the toilets only needed to be cleaned two to three times a day, but now it has increased to six times,” said food court operator Wang Wei Boon.
Her woes began about six months ago when a wellness centre set up shop next door, opening for about 12 hours daily.
Wang estimated that about 200 customers from the centre would come over to the food court to use the toilets every day.
“We do not have a dedicated cleaner as my stall operators and I share the responsibility of keeping the toilets clean,” she told StarMetro.
Her monthly usage of cleaning liquid doubled to 15 bottles, costing RM20 each.
She also claimed that her water bill had shot up from RM800 to RM2,000.
Wang lamented that the frequent toilet usage also resulted in blockages, sewage backflow and clogged manholes.
“I hired a company to resolve the blockages. I was charged RM3,000 the first time and RM4,000 the second time,” she added.
Wang’s food court has 17 stalls and recorded an average of 200 patrons daily.
“The influx of outsiders made it difficult for my own diners and stall operators to access the toilets.
“This is affecting our daily operations,” she said.
Wang lodged a complaint with Johor Baru City Council (MBJB) and was advised to negotiate with the neighbouring business to reopen its own toilet, which it had converted into a store room.
When contacted, city councillor Chan San San said MBJB was unable to intervene in such cases.
She said business owners should consider implementing a pay-to-use system or restricting access.
“Only the food court owner has the right to restrict or stop outsiders from using the toilets,” she said.
