Public invited to have their say on cleanest toilet under MBPP
FROM now until October, the public is invited to vote for the cleanest toilets managed by Penang Island City Council (MBPP).
The evaluation will be conducted in two stages, with the first involving public feedback through QR codes at participating toilets until Sept 30.
The second stage involves evaluation in October by a professional panel appointed by MBPP.
The panellists will inspect the toilets for cleanliness, odour, aesthetics and the overall environment of the facility, while also considering public ratings.
The results and winners will be officially announced during the World Toilet Day 2025 celebration on Nov 19.
The top three winners will receive cash prizes of RM800, RM600 and RM400 respectively, while the fourth to 10th place finishers will each receive a consolation prize of RM150.
City councillor Rohaizat Hamid said the Cleanest Toilet Competition was meant to raise awareness on the importance of maintaining clean public toilets.
The competition, he said, was to enhance the cleanliness of public toilets while promoting a culture of excellence, in line with the aspirations of Housing and Local Government Ministry to achieve the 'Bersih, Menawan dan Wangi' (clean, attractive and fragrant) standard for such facilities.
MBPP, through its Municipal Services Department, manages 72 public toilets in food complexes, markets and other council-managed tourist and recreational areas.
Rohaizat said city council cleaners of streets, buildings and toilets, who wore a yellow shirt as uniform, played an important role in maintaining toilet cleanliness.
'Their dedication and responsibility in providing clean and comfortable toilets to the public are highly appreciated,' he said in a press conference after attending MBPP's monthly meeting at City Hall, as reported by Buletin Mutiara.
Also present at the press conference were other city councillors, namely Tan Soo Siang, Alan Lim, Koay Gaik Kee, Khairul Ali, Nicholas Theng, Ooi Mei Mei, Benji Ang, Lee Wei Seang and Shafiz Rahim Raja.
MBPP Urban Services Department director Rashidah Jalaludin said the initiative was one of the city council's efforts to recognise and appreciate the dedication of its public toilet caretakers while providing better services to the people.
'It is vital to improve the quality of toilet maintenance and to create a more comfortable and cleaner environment.
'I encourage the people to cooperate in maintaining public property and to use the facilities responsibly.
'We still face a high rate of damage and vandalism.
'Whenever the facilities are closed for repairs, other users are inconvenienced,' she added.
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The Star
4 days ago
- The Star
50sen offers fresh start for underprivileged islanders
In Penang, the simple act of paying a small fee to use public toilets is giving some people a second chance at life. Penang Island City Council (MBPP) has started a programme to help the homeless, elderly and disabled make a living by allowing them to maintain public washrooms and keep the collection, set at a base 50sen per person, as their income. Altogether, there are 12 public toilets on Penang island being managed by this marginalised community. Six are maintained by retirees (former MBPP workers), four by the disabled, one by a senior citizen and another by a former homeless individual. The toilets are at Medan Renong, Padang Kota Lama, Lorong Kulit, Lebuh Cecil, Miami Beach, Padang Brown, Gurney Drive, Jalan Kampung Kolam, Air Itam Market, Batu Lanchang Food Complex, Balik Pulau Market and Shamrock Beach. MBPP public health and licensing committee alternate chairman Tan Soo Siang said all entry fees would go directly to the underprivileged group as the initiative aimed to support their livelihood and instil in people the responsibility in caring for public facilities. Nazri cleaning up the public toilet he cares for in Jalan Kampung Kolam, George Town. However, the job was not without its own set of difficulties, she said. 'They often face vandalism and poor user behaviour. 'There have been incidents where sinks and taps were broken or stolen, and cases of users dirtying the toilets or littering,' she said. Tan, however, added that MBPP would step in to carry out major repairs as needed. Life made meaningful For Nazri Ismail, 53, the 50sen fee collection for each person using the public toilet provides him dignity, stability and a fresh start. Once homeless, Nazri now earns a steady income by maintaining the public toilet in Jalan Kampung Kolam near bustling Lebuh Armenian within Penang's Unesco World Heritage Site. 'I used to work as a dispatch rider while my wife was employed at a factory. 'Everything changed when she was diagnosed with cancer. I quit my job to care for her full-time. 'After she died five years ago, I was left with nothing and ended up sleeping rough in Komtar,' said Nazri. Santhara cleaning up the public toilet at Medan Renong near the Esplanade. — Photos: LIM BENG TATT and ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star His turning point came in 2023, when he was taken in by the Penang Homeless Transit Centre in Jalan CY Choy. From there, Nazri was offered a job under MBPP's programme to maintain public washrooms. 'Ever since I started here, I've been earning about RM50 daily on weekdays and up to RM100 on weekends. 'With that, I'm able to rent a room nearby and buy my own meals,' he said. Nazri's day starts before sunrise. From 6am to 8pm, he keeps the facility spotless for tourists and locals alike. 'It is my job to sweep, mop, scrub and make sure everything stays clean and dry. 'MBPP officers conduct routine inspections, so I always make sure the place is in top condition,' he said. Nazri is especially happy when express buses carrying tourists stop by. 'That's a little bonus for me.' The 50sen fee to use a public toilet can greatly help the underprivileged. However, without any official uniform or visible signage explaining MBPP's initiative, Nazri said many visitors were sceptical when asked to pay 50sen. 'Some people question whether we are authorised to collect fees. 'There is a lot of hesitation, especially from those who are not aware of the programme,' he said, adding that there was also no ticketing counter. 'I hope the council can provide some form of attire and signage,' he said. Nazri added that there were sometimes language barriers with foreign tourists who might not understand the purpose of the payment. While locals are charged 50sen per entry, foreign visitors are charged RM1. At Medan Renong Food Complex near the Esplanade,C. Santhara Sagaran, a 70-year-old retiree, has transformed a public toilet into a shining example of pride, care and dedication. The restroom he oversees is more than just a facility; it reflects his values. 'I treat this place like my own home. Every cubicle, sink and urinal matters to me. 'Visitors should feel as comfortable here as they would in their own homes,' he said. Santhara took on the job in 2014, shortly after retiring as a cleaner with the city council. The toilet has 11 cubicles, including one for the disabled, along with several sinks and urinals, all of which he meticulously maintains. 'I make sure everything is clean and working. 'I do small repairs myself. Only when something needs major fixing do I call the city council,' he said when met at his collection room. Working alongside him is his wife, with whom he shares responsibility for the washroom during the long operating hours of 7am to 3am the next day, as the food complex is active until late night. Tan: Difficulties faced by the community include vandalismand damage to facilities. 'This room is where we spend most of our day. 'We take pride in keeping it neat while we manage the collection,' he added. On better days, the couple earns between RM100 and RM120 daily, from 50sen per entry and RM1 for shower use. For Sohaimi Ahmad, 40, who is mute, maintaining the public toilet at bustling Air Itam Market is more than just a job; it is a source of pride and gives him purpose. Serving thousands of visitors daily, Sohaimi takes his role seriously and is grateful for the opportunity to earn a living while contributing to society. 'This job has taught me that life's challenges can be overcome,' he wrote in his answer during the interview. 'I hope my journey will inspire others not to give up.' Sohaimi, whose wife is deaf, added: 'I have never stopped proving that I'm capable of working like anyone else. 'Every day, I clean the toilets and make sure supplies are well-stocked.' The father of four takes pride in his job and expressed his good fortune at having a supervisor who understood him. Despite communication challenges, Sohaimi feels supported by an empathetic community. He uses sign language, writes notes or points to signage to communicate. 'I feel deeply satisfied when the toilets are clean and someone thanks me with a smile. Sohaimi tending to plants at the toilet facility he maintains at Air Itam Market. 'Most people are understanding and respectful when they realise I am mute,' he wrote. However, Sohaimi admits that the job comes with its own set of challenges, such as major repairs and handling disgruntled visitors. 'I truly hope people with disabilities will be given opportunities. 'We are capable of working. All we need is trust.' To express his pride, Sohaimi has even gone the extra mile by painting a mural to beautify the facility and make it more welcoming. Small fee, big impact Public toilet users not only appreciate the improved cleanliness, but also feel a sense of purpose behind their 50sen contribution. School teacher Lim Siew Cheng, 58, said she used to avoid public toilets due to poor hygiene. But not anymore. 'I was surprised after stepping into one, having avoided them for a long time. 'It was not only clean and well-ventilated, but you could see the effort put into maintaining it. 'After finding out that my 50sen is not just for convenience, but also helps someone rebuild their life, I am glad to contribute,' she said. Delivery rider K. 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The Star
4 days ago
- The Star
Public invited to have their say on cleanest toilet under MBPP
Rohaizat (centre) holding promotional materials for the Cleanest Toilet Competition. With him are (from left) Ang, Ooi, Tan and Rashidah. — Buletin Mutiara FROM now until October, the public is invited to vote for the cleanest toilets managed by Penang Island City Council (MBPP). The evaluation will be conducted in two stages, with the first involving public feedback through QR codes at participating toilets until Sept 30. The second stage involves evaluation in October by a professional panel appointed by MBPP. The panellists will inspect the toilets for cleanliness, odour, aesthetics and the overall environment of the facility, while also considering public ratings. The results and winners will be officially announced during the World Toilet Day 2025 celebration on Nov 19. The top three winners will receive cash prizes of RM800, RM600 and RM400 respectively, while the fourth to 10th place finishers will each receive a consolation prize of RM150. City councillor Rohaizat Hamid said the Cleanest Toilet Competition was meant to raise awareness on the importance of maintaining clean public toilets. The competition, he said, was to enhance the cleanliness of public toilets while promoting a culture of excellence, in line with the aspirations of Housing and Local Government Ministry to achieve the 'Bersih, Menawan dan Wangi' (clean, attractive and fragrant) standard for such facilities. MBPP, through its Municipal Services Department, manages 72 public toilets in food complexes, markets and other council-managed tourist and recreational areas. Rohaizat said city council cleaners of streets, buildings and toilets, who wore a yellow shirt as uniform, played an important role in maintaining toilet cleanliness. 'Their dedication and responsibility in providing clean and comfortable toilets to the public are highly appreciated,' he said in a press conference after attending MBPP's monthly meeting at City Hall, as reported by Buletin Mutiara. Also present at the press conference were other city councillors, namely Tan Soo Siang, Alan Lim, Koay Gaik Kee, Khairul Ali, Nicholas Theng, Ooi Mei Mei, Benji Ang, Lee Wei Seang and Shafiz Rahim Raja. MBPP Urban Services Department director Rashidah Jalaludin said the initiative was one of the city council's efforts to recognise and appreciate the dedication of its public toilet caretakers while providing better services to the people. 'It is vital to improve the quality of toilet maintenance and to create a more comfortable and cleaner environment. 'I encourage the people to cooperate in maintaining public property and to use the facilities responsibly. 'We still face a high rate of damage and vandalism. 'Whenever the facilities are closed for repairs, other users are inconvenienced,' she added.
The Star
07-08-2025
- The Star
Giving stray animals chance, not pity
People who open their homes to stray animals often find the experience life-changing in ways they never anticipated. This includes former accounting and finance lecturer Choong Koon Yean, 50, who has been adopting cats off Penang's streets ever since she was a teenager. She currently has seven of them, with the oldest cat being 17-year-old Cotton – a gentle, white-coated 'lady' that loves nothing more than relaxing cuddles and neck scratches. 'Cotton is special, not just because she's been with me the longest, but also because she helped kick-start my trap- neuter-release/rehome (TNR/R) journey,' said Choong. Back in 2009 when Choong lived in Pulau Tikus, there were over 30 stray cats roaming her street and surrounding back lanes. Something had to be done. Using her own money, she began her own TNR/R mission. She rounded up the cats and had them neutered. She adopted some and released the rest back to the colony to live out their natural lives. 'By the time I relocated in 2022, there were zero stray cats left on my former street. Choong with Cotton, a 17-year-old former stray. 'Imagine how many there would be today if nothing was done. 'TNR/R works when done right and this is why I believe in it so deeply,' she explained. Despite being a 'cat person', Choong also cares about the plight of stray dogs and realises the same methods can be used to humanely control its population in Penang. So, she founded the International Aid for the Protection and Welfare of Animals (IAPWA) Penang chapter in 2017, with the main objective to implement the TNR/R programme in collaboration with Penang Island City Council. The efforts made Penang one of the few regions in Malaysia where stray dogs are no longer subjected to systematic and inhumane culling. This has spared over 7,600 dogs from unnecessary suffering to date, said Choong. Once neutered, the majority are released while suitable ones are put up for adoption, she said. 'Every dog and puppy under our adoption programme are vet-checked, vaccinated, dewormed and treated for fleas or ticks. 'Those old enough are also trained to walk on a leash and taught basic obedience. 'Our adoption manager works hard to match the right dog with the right home, increasing the chances of a lifelong bond. 'People who adopt from us are not just saving a life, they're also making space for the next street dog in need and supporting real, lasting change,' she added. Since the programme started, IAPWA Penang has re-homed over 1,000 former stray dogs, most of them mongrels. 'Mongrels have a wider pool of genes, which gives them stronger immune systems and lowers their risk of inheriting genetic disorders or breed-specific diseases that are common in purebred ones. 'Each dog's temperament reflects their past. Some are cautious due to previous abuse or neglect, while others are friendly and eager to bond from the start. 'They all have different life stories but will respond beautifully to love and become the most loving pets and family members,' Choong said. To sustain the ongoing TNR/R programme, IAPWA Penang will be hosting a fundraising Vegetarian Charity Dinner on Sept 28 at SJK (C) Shang Wu in Jalan La Salle, Air Itam, starting 7pm. Guests will enjoy a meat-free meal, hear real-life stories from IAPWA Penang rescuers and witness how small acts of kindness can create beneficial, long-lasting effects for the community. Tickets are priced at RM150 per person or RM1,388 for a table of 10. The evening also offers visibility opportunities for sponsors and donors who will have their brands or names seen at the event, in printed materials and online. 'Our journey is far from over. Every surgery, every vaccination and every day of care for these animals incur ongoing operational costs,' said Choong. 'With rising veterinary expenses and limited funding, public support is more vital than ever. 'Each ticket purchased will directly fund vaccinations, neutering, feeding and medical care for Penang's stray animals. 'Your support will help save lives and build a kinder, more humane future for our furry friends. 'Strays don't need pity, they need a chance,' Choong added. For details, call 010-388 3487 or visit
