KOTA SAMARAHAN: As the world commemorates World Toilet Day today (Nov 19), Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS) has renewed its commitment to promoting a clean and safe environment.
Its chairman Datuk Peter Minos said MPKS in this instance oversees the construction and maintenance of numerous public toilets in Samarahan, employing small contractors to ensure cleanliness.
In light of World Toilet Day, he said it plans to revitalise selected public toilets by undertaking cosmetic improvements, including painting, floral decorations, and the provision of hand-washing soap.
” For World Toilet Day, we will pick one or two public toilets and do something about them. Like painting the place. Put flowers here and there inside the toilets. And put in hand-washing soap.
“MPKS has a number of public toilets in Samarahan. We built them, maintain them and keep them clean by engaging small contractors.
“So far, so good. I went to a few and made no complaints,” he said to New Sarawak Tribune.
However, he acknowledged that improvement is needed in some locations, primarily due to the behaviour of a few anti-social users who neglect to flush after use.
Despite facing challenges with user behaviour, he said MPKS actively educates the public on maintaining toilet cleanliness.
Minos lamented that, while much is done to promote cleanliness, the council faces limitations when users fail to appreciate the significance of maintaining tidy facilities.
“Of course, we provide notices on how to keep our toilets clean, including reminders for users to flush after use.
“There is not much we can do. If users refuse to appreciate toilet cleanliness, it is tough going. But we persist in reminding people that clean toilets are beneficial for all — both locals and tourists,” he said.
On the same note, Minos expressed concern about the below par conditions in some coffee shop toilets.
He highlighted issues of dirtiness, unpleasant odours, a lack of toilet paper and overall poor hygiene.
Despite warnings and lectures, he stressed that some coffee shops continue to neglect their facilities.
“It is the toilets at the coffee shops that are a letdown. Some are dirty, smelly, lack toilet paper also wet. And I do not dare to step inside.
“We lecture and warn. Some learn, but some are recalcitrant. It has to do with the attitude of coffee shops that is made worse by bad toilet users.
“But we keep on doing our best despite the above. Action will be taken if coffeeshops do not shape up.”
