KUALA LUMPUR – The Toilet Of The Year 2023 award, held for the first time, aims to transform public toilets in the country to be clean, attractive, and fragrant, as well as to enhance the country’s image, especially among foreign tourists.
Local Government Development Minister Nga Kor Ming said this initiative, which was his own idea, is part of preparations for Visit Malaysia Year 2025.
“Beginning this year, the Local Government Development Ministry has taken steps to change the public’s perception of the cleanliness of public toilets in the country.
“This will be done by improving management and comfort, which were previously unsatisfactory, to BMW (bersih, menawan, wangi)-standard public toilets.
“The Toilet Of The Year award is also very important because, through this initiative, BMW-standard public toilets can be further promoted, especially by the private sector,” he said when officiating the awards night here yesterday.
Later, at a press conference, Nga said the global market value of the toilet equipment industry is RM80 billion, and it is expected to grow by 7.6% annually.
“My vision is not only to ensure that the country’s public toilets are world-class, but this initiative is also aimed at developing the toilet equipment industry. Just like Korea has Coway and Japan has Toto, we hope that Malaysia will one day produce world-class brands in this industry.
“This industry is rapidly growing due to the global urbanisation trend, which introduces “smart home” concepts that include “smart toilets”, as well as increased awareness of toilet hygiene,” he said.
To encourage participation, the awards will be expanded to seven categories next year, up from five this year, and the cash prize will be increased to RM20,000, up from RM10,000 this year.
“This year, we received encouraging participation, with a total of 345 entries competing in five categories.
“They include hotels, shopping centres, highway rest and recreational (RnR) areas, petrol stations, and restaurants. Next year, we will expand the competition to include schools and local authorities.
“The selection of winners is made by an independent panel of judges from the Quality Restroom Association Malaysia and representatives from the Tourism, Arts, and Culture Ministry.
“The Local Government Development Ministry only acts as the organiser and is not involved in the selection of winners,” Nga said.
The winners at the event held last night were The George, Penang (hotel category), Toppen Shopping Mall, Johor Bahru (shopping centre), Elmina South-Bound (RnR), Petron Senai, Johor (petrol station), and Cawan Mu Ipoh, Perak (restaurant category). – October 31, 2023