Public toilets are part and parcel of a society's infrastructure, and in Malaysia, they have suffered poor reputation in hygiene standards for decades. The good news is that the Malaysian government is taking action to improve the hygiene standards in our public toilets starting with the launch of the "Toilet of The Year Award" on 30th October 2023.1
It aims to transform public toilets in Malaysia to be clean, attractive, and fragrant, as well as to enhance the country's image, especially among foreign tourists. It’s also a timely move as we prepare the country for Visit Malaysia Year 2026.2
Issues of Public Toilets in Malaysia
Public toilets in Malaysia, much like elsewhere, face all kinds of issues. Dirty toilet bowls, clogged toilets, overflowing sanitary bins, shoe prints on toilet bowl lids, and lack of hand hygiene facilities, are sadly common.
Then there’s the issue of wet floors. In Malaysia, we use handheld bidets, they’re great for keeping our privates clean. However, there are often instances of the bidet not being shut off properly, and careless using of excessive water.
All these factors make the toilet a breeding ground for bacteria and viruses, contributing to the spread of illnesses. This not only impacts the well-being of the users, but could also deter tourists from visiting our wonderful country.
At times, we even smell the stench from the toilets before reaching it. When we catch a whiff of something, we’re inhaling tiny molecules of chemicals, bacteria and viruses into our bodies, these molecules trigger specific nerve cells within our nasal passages, known as olfactory sensory neurons that send the signals to our brains which identify the smell.3 Thus, smelly toilets are actually hazardous to our health, as we could be inhaling harmful odour molecules. While some of us no longer wear masks as frequently, it's worth considering keeping them handy for moments where unpleasant odours might be present.
A Collaborative Approach to Better Hygiene
Maintaining high hygiene standards in public toilets requires a concerted effort from businesses, local authorities, the public, and cleaning service providers.
First of all, we can implement a thorough and effective cleaning process such as a top-down, in-out approach is vital to ensure toilets are properly cleaned. Top-down refers to cleaning from high areas and working the way down on items such as the windows, walls and doors. Then cleaners should proceed to the sink, toilet bowl, countertop and finally, the floor, in an in-out manner from the inner to outer areas, before exiting the toilet.
While regular cleaning is crucial, your business can achieve optimal hygiene with easy-to-include cleaning products. Toilet seat sanitisers, and urinal sanitisers for men’s toilets, rapidly eliminate germs and bacteria, and neutralise unpleasant odours. There are also air fresheners, which leave restrooms smelling fresh and pleasant. Besides that, providing necessary amenities like toilet paper, sanitary bins, hand soap, hand sanitisers, and hand dryers is essential for greater comfort and hygiene. Proper airflow with blower is also important to reduce moisture build-up and minimise unpleasant odours.
Users must also practice good toilet hygiene habits to reduce the spread of germs.
- Wipe the toilet seat from the front to back to prevent the possible spread of any urinary tract infections.
- Close the toilet lid before flushing to minimise the spread of airborne germs.
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the toilet. This is the single most effective way to prevent the spread of germs.
- Dry hands before leaving the toilet, as damp hands attract more bacteria.
Pushing For More 5-Star Rated Public Toilets
As businesses, we can make a difference. By partnering with reputable cleaning service and product providers like Maclean, you can ensure that your establishment has clean, hygienic, and well-maintained toilets.
Maclean has a well-established presence in the cleaning industry in Malaysia for over 4 decades. We offer an under-one-roof solution with Maclean Services and Maclean Initial. Maclean Services ensures thorough cleaning and disinfection of toilets, while Maclean Initial offers a comprehensive range of hygiene products tailored to your company’s specific needs. From toilet seat sanitisers and air fresheners to toilet papers, sanitary bins, floor mats, hand soaps, hand dryers, and urinal sanitisers, Maclean supplies them all.
We ensure a holistic approach to maintaining cleanliness of toilets, with our professional cleaning, toiletry supply, and hygiene services. We have helped clients, such as leading hypermarkets, to obtain “Public Toilet 5-Star Rating” or “Cleanest Toilet” awards. Our clients’ toilets have witnessed a remarkable improvement in cleanliness, hygiene, and overall user satisfaction.
For more information on Maclean’s cleaning, hygiene and toiletry services, contact us at 010-220 0952 or 019-292 1105 or enquire@maclean.com.my.
References:
1. The Star. (2023, October 30). Toilet of the year award for 'gold-standard' restrooms, boost country's image, says Nga.
2. The Star. (2023, October 13). Budget 2024: Next visit Malaysia year to be held in 2026.
3. National Institutes of Health. (2020, May 12). How the nose decodes complex odours.