KUCHING: Local authorities do not want public toilets in eateries to raise a stink and smear Kuching’s reputation as a City of Gastronomy.
Hence the Kuching City South Council (MBKS) is bent on tackling the issue of toilet hygiene especially at food premises though the Kuching Clean Toilet Campaign.
“A really bad and dirty toilet in an eatery can really ruin the city’s gastronomy reputation and diminish even the taste palate and appetite,” warned Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng.
“So, whether it is a normal coffee shop, cafe or restaurant, always ensure that your toilet is safe, in good working condition, pristine and have proper cleaning tools,” he said when officiating at the Clean Toilet Campaign – Certificate Giving Ceremony at MBKS Lobby, today.
He also stated that cleanliness is closely related to health, comfort, beauty and pride of the people of a city and a dirty city reflects the state of mind and attitude of its people towards hygiene and cleanliness.
“Therefore, my hope is that every individual would start a culture to remind close friends, relatives, nearest neighbours or anyone who is close to us of the importance of playing a role in making and maintaining the cleanliness of Kuching city.
“Not only in your own home but also in the walkways, parks, streets and also in the public toilets,” Wee added.
In this regard, Wee explained the objective of the implementation of the clean toilet campaign is to encourage food premise operators to upgrade the existing toilets in their premises to be cleaner, user-friendly and modern.
“The awareness campaign is also a platform to educate consumers, especially the general public about the importance of ethics and hygiene in using the public toilets, in addition to stimulating innovative toilet designs including specifications, installation and maintenance.
“I believe and am confident that this campaign, not only can create a community that is more responsible for the improvement and cleanliness of Kuching city but also make MBKS exemplary in the aspect of environmental hygiene to other local authorities,” he said.
Wee elaborated that in line with MBKS’s vision to enhance the quality of life of the people of Kuching, it is the responsibility of all citizens to show concern, commitment and concerted efforts in making Kuching a clean, beautiful and attractive city.
“MBKS realises the significance of providing safe and hygienic toilets to ensure user awareness of toilet etiquette; because having proper toilet facilities and good user behaviour will improve the cleanliness, sanitation, well-being and the health of the environment and the community or society at large.
“Where Kuching is concerned, in terms of toilets and public facilities development, MBKS has provided public toilets at locales with heavy user traffic such as market places, hawker centres, parks and recreational areas. Presently, there are seven public toilets which are maintained by the council,” he added.
