Business premises must have clean toilets and meet hygiene standards to get licences from 2026, with new female toilet ratio to reduce queues.
KUALA LUMPUR: Business premises must have clean toilets and meet minimum hygiene standards to obtain licences from local authorities starting next year.
Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming announced the new guideline will be implemented in phases to elevate national toilet standards.
“The implementation of this guideline will be carried out in phases according to PBT categories,” he said at the KPKT Best Toilet Award 2025 ceremony at The Westin Kuala Lumpur.
City councils will begin enforcement in 2026, municipal councils in 2027, and district councils in 2028.
This step aims to ensure the ‘BMW’ (Clean, Attractive, Fragrant) toilet standard becomes a national norm.
The initiative also seeks to improve public service image ahead of Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
The new guideline sets a minimum ratio of one male toilet to two female toilets in business premises.
This adjustment addresses user needs and customer traffic flow based on scientific findings.
“Starting next year, public toilets constructed in this country must adhere to the KPKT guidelines,” Nga emphasised.
He noted this would eliminate long queues during festive seasons within ten years.
The minister referenced Japanese research showing women require more toilet time than men.
Nga also highlighted the TOTYA 2025 awards recorded 744 submissions, up from 625 in 2024.
“This significant increase proves that TOTYA is now a national benchmark,” he said.
The government has allocated RM180 million over three years for public toilet upgrades.
Awards were presented to winners across eight categories during the ceremony.
Each winner received RM20,000 plus a trophy and certificate.
Masjid Tepian Putra in Kuantan won the House of Worship category.
SJK(C) Chung Kwok Kuala Lumpur secured the School category award.
Putrajaya Sentral Terminal’s public toilet won the Local Authority category.
Sushi Tie in Bintulu claimed the Restaurant category prize.
Shell Jalan Hospital in Ipoh won the Petrol Station category.
R&R Tapah Southbound on the North-South Expressway took the R&R category.
NU Hotel in Bintulu won the Hotel category.
Pavilion Bukit Jalil emerged victorious in the Shopping Mall category. – Bernama
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