Lim (fifth from left) at the ready for the groundbreaking ceremony in SS2, Petaling Jaya. Flanking her are Khoo (to her right) and Ong.
A public toilet project has been launched in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, to meet the needs of hawker centre visitors.
Rotary Club of Petaling Jaya’s (RCPJ) SS2 Hawker Centre Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) project involves construction of a public restroom that includes facilities for the physically challenged, among others.
RCPJ president David Ong said the public restroom project was in direct response to a community-identified need in an area with high footfall.
“The WASH project is supported by Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) and Rotary International Foundation (RIF).
“RCPJ had initiated an application to RIF, and it was approved in July 2025 with a total Global Grant amount of US$46,000 (RM188,300),” Ong said at the groundbreaking ceremony.
The event was attended by Rotary International District 3300 district governor Edward Khoo, local RCPJ past presidents and some 120 Rotary members from six countries.
Based on plans posted up in the area, the complex will include a baby feeding room, toilet for the physically challenged, janitor room, and rest area.
Ong said members of the community and visitors supported the project, based on challenges faced being forced to use restrooms at nearby eateries.
“Construction of the restroom at the hawker centre will be completed in June this year.
“It will be a convenience for senior citizens, the physically challenged, children and stall operators,” he said.
RCPJ has been servicing Petaling Jaya communities since 1961.
Building public restrooms was the first public service project of Rotary Club of Chicago founded in 1905, on recognition of the need for basic amenities.
Khoo said the groundbreaking ceremony was in conjunction with RCPJ’s 65th anniversary.
Rotarians discussing the SS2 Hawker Centre WASH project in front of plans put up at the site. — Photos: ART CHEN/The Star
“Over the years, we have uplifted lives and strengthened our community through meaningful and sustainable service,” he said, highlighting that the organisation had brought together people from all backgrounds and also worked closely with the local community.
“The SS2 Hawker Centre WASH project is a timely and impactful initiative that promotes better hygiene for hawkers and Petaling Jaya folk, while safeguarding public health and dignity,” he added.
Rotaract Club of Petaling Jaya (RACPJ) president R. Rakeish said availability of clean, accessible public toilets would help increase foot traffic, thus benefitting local businesses and tourism.
Kampung Tunku assemblyman Lim Yi Wei said she was glad to join the groundbreaking event, as a public toilet was much needed in the area.
“It is a wonderful example of what communities can achieve when people make their feedback heard.
“It is an essential amenity and building a restroom marks a new chapter in public infrastructure for the SS2 Hawker Centre,” Lim said.
