23 November 2007

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 22 (Bernama) -- Although dirty toilets became a big issue some time ago, drawing both the public and government into debate over it, the problem, sadly, has remained.

As evidence of this, a random survey by Bernama on 40 toilets at restaurants, petrol stations and public transport terminals in the city, shows that Indian Muslim or Mamak restaurants have the dirtiest toilets.

However, these restaurants are those operating alone and do not include large and well-known ones with many branches or franchisees, for they seem to be aware of the need to maintain a "clean" image.

Some among the dirty ones do not even provide tissues and soap for customers and even worse, the flush doesn't work and there are no separate toilets for male and female users.

Although most petrol station toilets do not provide tissues and soap, they are cleaner than those at the Mamak restaurants.

However, lewd graffiti on walls and doors, almost synonymous with public toilets, have mostly disappeared.

Toilets at public transport terminals such as bus and LRT (Light Rail Transit) stations are generally clean although many are still not fully equipped.

Among the cleanest and best equipped public toilets are those at shopping centres, the survey shows. Among them are at Suria KLCC and Berjaya Times Square.

There're also the exclusive toilets at KLCC, which apart from being squeaky clean, are equipped with a hair dryer, facial cleanser, lotion, powder, and wet and dry tissues. The charge is RM2 per entry.

-- BERNAMA