Clean, accessible public toilets are vital for Malaysia’s tourism competitiveness and visitor first impressions, says expert ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026.
PETALING JAYA: With Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) approaching, experts are drawing attention to a seemingly modest but critical element of tourism readiness – public toilets.
Cleanliness, modern facilities and proper maintenance are no longer optional, but a key measure of Malaysia’s preparedness to welcome global visitors, according to Universiti Utara Malaysia School of Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management senior lecturer Dr Mohamad Zaki Ahmad.
“Clean toilets represent more than hygiene. They reflect professionalism, service quality and hospitality. For VM2026, they act as a subtle yet powerful indicator of the country’s readiness to welcome the world,” he said.
He added that well-maintained facilities also reflect societal values, governance capacity and cultural attitudes towards hygiene.
Mohamad Zaki pointed to Singapore’s public toilet grading scheme as an example of how structured compliance and transparency could drive higher standards.
“By combining operational benchmarks, routine inspections, visible ratings and incentives, the system ensures accountability among operators,” he said.
He recommended a similar framework for Malaysia, adapted to local governance structures and involving municipal councils, the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry and the Health Ministry.
Under such a national compliance rating system, public toilets would:
establish clear and standardised expectations for cleanliness, accessibility and maintenance;
improve transparency through publicly displayed grades that allow visitors to assess quality at a glance;
shift enforcement from reactive complaint-based action to proactive monitoring;
encourage pride and healthy competition in maintaining cleanliness;
strengthen tourism branding by signalling safety, hygiene and respect for visitors; and
support public health by reducing the risk of disease transmission.
Mohamad Zaki also highlighted smart toilet technology as another avenue for modernisation. Features such as automated cleaning, occupancy sensors, touchless fixtures and real-time monitoring are well suited for large shopping centres, highway rest stops, high-traffic attractions, airports and transport hubs.
“The benefits include improved hygiene, enhanced user comfort, operational efficiency through water and energy savings and better accessibility for families, elderly visitors and persons with disabilities. While initial costs can be high, the long-term gains in safety, sustainability and visitor satisfaction make smart toilets a worthwhile investment,” he said.
To ensure consistent standards nationwide, he proposed a hybrid framework that combines government oversight with operator-led maintenance.
“A hybrid model balances accountability with practicality. It ensures high standards are maintained across all locations, from urban centres to rural tourist sites, without overburdening operators or government agencies,” he said.
Under this approach, the government would set minimum standards, inspection schedules and grading criteria.
Mohamad Zaki stressed that Malaysia should prioritise:
establishing a national public toilet excellence framework;
deploying smart toilets in high-traffic locations;
expanding Malaysia Standard 2015 into a comprehensive inspection and certification regime;
creating a dedicated maintenance fund for rural and nature-based attractions;
enacting legislation that empowers local councils to enforce sanitation standards;
strengthening coordination among tourism, health and local government authorities;
conducting annual audits by accredited organisations; and
promoting proper toilet etiquette through schools, media and travel hubs.
“The condition of public toilets is often underestimated, yet it directly affects visitor satisfaction, destination image and public health,” he said.
“Prioritising toilet sanitation is essential to delivering safe, high-quality and memorable experiences for visitors.”
