A NEW directive imposed by the Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming, which requires food establishments in 20 city areas to comply with the BMW “Bersih, Menawan, Wangi” (clean, attractive, and pleasant-smelling) toilet standards from Jan 1, 2026, or risk having their licences revoked, has understandably stirred concern among many.
Recognising the intentions behind this move - to enhance public hygiene and improve the overall image of our service sectors, it is essential to approach such policies with careful consideration. Washrooms, though essential, should not be the sole criterion for licensing, nor should they become merely a symbolic target for administrative convenience or aggrandising the power of enforcement officers.
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