KUCHING: Our attitude towards public toilets and waste dumping must be changed starting from young, thus parents play an important role in educating their children, said Kota Samarahan Municipal Council chairman Datuk Peter Minos (pic).
“Start with kids in schools. This attitude towards cleanliness must be instilled into our culture and way of life.
“Clean toilets and streets mean better health and better living”, he told New Sarawak Tribune when contacted yesterday.
This was said in response to Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad who recently said he was embarrassed by the dirty and smelly state of public toilets in the country, which he added reflects the poor civic responsibility of Malaysians.
Minos further stressed that Malaysians must learn not to litter everywhere, but instead to dispose it properly in the bins provided.
He recalled a recent government study trip to Tokyo, Japan as it is known to have one of the world’s cleanest toilets and streets that are also well maintained and complemented by an excellent waste management system.
“I was very impressed with what I saw and I think it can be emulated by our country.
“I am very sorry to say that our own public toilets in Malaysia are one of the worst — except for the ones in big, reputable hotels and restaurants”, he pointed out.
He added that this also gives Malaysians a very bad name and poor image.
“So what do we need to do?
“We need to follow the Japanese because if they can do it, so can we by teaching and educating regardless of age and whether or not you’re staying in the urban or rural area.
“We must all respect and value an environment that is clean, safe and healthy”, he said.
