PETALING JAYA: The Housing and Local Government Ministry (KPKT) will allocate RM150mil over five years to repair and upgrade public toilets managed by local authorities (PBTs).
Its minister Nga Kor Ming said the ministry was committed to allocating RM30mil annually from 2026 to 2030 to improve public toilet facilities.
“This brings the total allocation to RM150mil over the next five years for the well-being of the people,” he said at the launch of the Toilet of the Year Award 2026 at a mall here yesterday.
“This continuous injection of funds not only provides direct benefits to the public, but also yields economic returns for the country and boosts industries based on toilet products, scientific equipment and public facility technology in our country.”
Nga also said he would write to the presidents of PETRONAS, Shell and BHP to encourage them to follow Petron’s example in improving petrol station toilet standards.
He said 90% of the 840 petrol station toilets operated by Petron had achieved four- and five-star ratings, earning the company recognition from the Malaysia Book of Records on Oct 19.
He said public toilet cleanliness should not be taken lightly, as it reflected a country’s level of development and consideration for its people.
“For some people, a public toilet may just be a facility. However, for a mother carrying a young child, it is invaluable in providing comfort.
“For persons with disabilities (OKU) who rely on user-friendly facilities, or for a worker who spends most of their day away from home, a clean toilet carries a much greater meaning and offers peace of mind,” he said.
“It actually touches on matters of dignity, comfort and respect for fellow human beings.
“Progress is not measured only by impressive skyscrapers and modern buildings, but also by the quality of basic facilities that can be enjoyed by all levels of society.”
Nga said the competition was part of the ministry’s efforts to make clean, attractive and pleasant-smelling public toilets, known as BMW (Bersih, Menawan dan Wangi), a shared national culture.
This year’s competition received 849 entries, compared with 345 in its inaugural year, reflecting growing awareness and commitment among premises operators and the public towards toilet cleanliness, he added.
Each category winner would receive RM20,000, a certificate and a trophy.
“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.
“Next year, we will add another category, which is the Higher Education Institution Category where universities and colleges will also be required to compete for the best toilet,” he said.
Nga also highlighted the importance of maintaining clean public toilets as Malaysia continued to promote itself as a tourist destination.
“Public toilets are our calling card and the frontline of a country’s image,” he said.
Nga said the ministry would continue working with local authorities, the private sector and communities to promote cleaner, more comfortable public toilets nationwide.
