In recent times, there appears to have been a number of spot-checks being conducted by our ministers on matters within their scope from public transport to healthcare facilities.
Recently, Local Government Development Minister Nga Kor Ming revealed that he recently visited a popular tourist destination to see for himself the cleanliness of public toilets.
In a post titled ‘PROBLEMS WITH PUBLIC TOILETS’ on Facebook, Nga wrote, “As soon as I finished work at the office late this afternoon, I spontaneously visited a popular tourist destination in Dataran Merdeka Kuala Lumpur to see for myself the cleanliness of public toilets.”
“Previously I have received complaints from people regarding the state of public toilets here. I found the level of cleanliness is quite satisfactory and the lighting system also works well. However, the ceiling of the men’s public toilet was damaged, the hand soap was not refilled and the tap was not working.”
Meanwhile, he added that this is important because the cleanliness of public toilets is closely related to the image of the country, especially in the main tourist destinations or gateways to our country.
“In addition, ‘BMW’ standard public toilets namely Bersih, Menawan and Wangi will also increase the positive perception of the people towards local authorities (PBT)”, he explained.
Nga hopes that all 155 PBTs across the country can establish public toilet hygiene monitoring units and carry out maintenance work according to schedule to ensure that public toilets in our country are always in a clean, well-functioning and orderly condition.
Other problems
Besides the problems with the public toilets, Nga said that he also found some problems that need to be fixed around Dataran Merdeka, namely the “bald” and less than perfect field, the underground business premises that are now in a dilapidated state and the electrical switch boxes that are not properly closed which endangers the safety of visitors.
“The Ministry of Local Government Development under my leadership will find the best solution so that infrastructure or public facilities built with the people’s money can be looked after and maintained properly and always be in a satisfactory condition“, he said, adding that he will be meeting with the mayor soon.
“Maintenance culture should be emphasised and taken seriously by all government agencies. For the sake of the people’s well-being, I hope that all parties can work together to keep public places clean and support KPKT’s efforts to help our country prosper, sustainably and fairly.”
We hope that the authorities take the issues regarding the public toilets as well as the public infrastructure seriously and figure out a long term solution.
Also read: Health Minister Goes Undercover at Klang Hospital to Chat With Patients
