Cleanliness drive to intensify ahead of VM 2027
PUTRAJAYA: Efforts are being stepped up to improve public toilet cleanliness, with 11,835 upgraded nationwide since the launch of the Bersih, Menawan, Wangi (BMW) toilet initiative in 2023.
Of the total, 10,243 toilets, or 86.5%, are located in schools while the remaining 1,592 are in public facilities.
Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said currently, 3,182 (or 80.8%) of the 3,940 public toilets managed by local authorities had received a rating of four stars and above.
“Public toilets reflect a nation’s level of civilisation, cleanliness, culture, urban image, and overall progress,” he said at the launch of the country’s first BMW-i toilet at Dataran Putra here yesterday.
Nga said the clean, attractive and pleasant-smelling toilet marks the ministry’s latest effort to improve public amenities through smart technology.
It features automatic toilet seat covers and flushing systems, touchless taps and soap dispensers, as well as an Internet of Things-based fragrance system.
It is also equipped with cubicle occupancy indicators and environmental sensors to monitor lighting, air quality, ammonia levels, temperature, and humidity.
Other features include a user traffic counter, smoke detector, automatic floor-cleaning and drying system, user feedback panel, and a mobile application to track cleaning tasks.
A monitoring dashboard is also used to improve maintenance and operational efficiency.
“The use of smart technology allows cleanliness and maintenance levels to be monitored more efficiently, systematically, and continuously for the wellbeing of the people and to elevate the country’s image,” he said.
On the Toilet of the Year Award 2026, Nga announced that it would be held on Oct 20.
“This year’s awards feature eight categories, covering shopping complexes, petrol stations, hotels, rest and service areas, restaurants, schools, houses of worship, and local authorities.
“Participation has increased from 345 entries in 2023 to 849 this year, a 146% rise, reflecting greater awareness of public toilet hygiene,” he said.
Nga added that the BMW toilet initiative would be intensified ahead of Visit Malaysia Year 2027, as public toilet cleanliness could influence tourists’ experiences and perceptions of the country.
