CLEAN toilets will soon be a requirement for business licences in Seberang Perai, Penang.
Seberang Perai mayor Datuk Baderul Amin Abdul Hamid said the “clean, attractive and pleasant-smelling” public toilet standard, derived from the Malay terms bersih, menawan and wangi (BMW) would be enforced from May 1.
He said the standard would be made mandatory for both new applications and business licence renewals.
“This initiative is to ensure the cleanliness level of public toilets at business premises is always at a high standard, while enhancing the city’s image, safeguarding public health and providing comfort to users.
“All business premises that provide toilet facilities are required to ensure their toilets achieve at least a four-star rating under the BMW standard, in line with guidelines set by the Housing and Local Government Ministry,” he said.
Under the grading system, premises that score 91% and above will qualify for a five-star rating, while scores of 81% to 90% will receive four stars, and 71% to 80%, three stars.
Premises scoring between 61% and 70% will be classified as dirty, with two stars, while those between 51% and 60% receive one star.
Any premises scoring 50% and below will not receive a star rating and will be issued cleaning notices, with no recognition certificate granted.
A separate diamond tier is provided for premises scoring above 91% with additional high-end features.
Food premises with toilets are required to carry out self-assessments through the Speedbiz system, with Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) conducting periodic inspections to verify compliance and grading accuracy.
The BMW assessment is divided into three core components, each with specific checklist requirements covering functionality, maintenance and user experience, said Baderul Amin.
Under the cleanliness component, premises must ensure an adequate and consistent water supply and pressure.
Floors must be clean and free of damage, while toilets, urinals and sinks must be fully functioning.
Pipe systems must be in good condition, while drainage and sewerage must be clear of blockage.
Ventilation systems must be functional to prevent dampness and odour build-up, while facilities must be sufficient to meet user capacity.
Rubbish bins, including sanitary bins, must be covered, clean and properly maintained, while doors, cubicles and fittings must be intact and free from defects.
For the attractiveness category, the checklist focuses on the overall condition and presentation of the toilet.
This includes adequate lighting, clean and well-maintained walls, functional bidets, and clear, visible signage including gender indicators.
Premises are required to display notices in appropriate locations, maintain scheduled housekeeping routines and ensure toilets remain tidy and organised.
Mirrors must be clean and undamaged, while decorative elements should be suitable and consistent with the overall concept of the premises.
For the fragrance component, the emphasis is on maintaining a pleasant environment through proper ventilation and odour control.
Premises must provide sufficient liquid soap for users and ensure air fresheners or fragrance systems are functioning effectively to maintain a consistently fresh smell.
Baderul Amin said the checklist would be used for both self-assessment and enforcement inspections, forming the basis for star ratings and compliance decisions.
He said failure to meet the minimum four-star requirement could affect business licence approvals or renewals.
“The assessment is based on the public toilet cleanliness BMW checklist provided in the system, and premises must submit the necessary information and verification, including photographs, through Speedbiz as proof of compliance, with the initial rating recorded for reference.
“MBSP will carry out follow-up inspections within six months of the application, in line with the ministry guidelines, to verify actual conditions.
“Premises that do not meet the minimum rating will be issued improvement notices. Failure to comply may result in enforcement action, including notices, compounds and possible implications on business licence status,” said Baderul Amin.
Based on MBSP’s 2025 grading data, 1,628 food premises were assessed under the system.
Of these, 84 premises achieved five-star ratings, 706 obtained four stars and 806 received three stars.
Only 32 premises fell into the two-star and below category.
