Eatery operators strain to meet toilet standards

The Star

20 hours ago

A newly upgraded restroom at an eatery in Johor Baru, which complies with the Federal Government's standard for toilets.
While many eateries are welcoming the Federal Government's toilet cleanliness-rating initiative, a handful of operators in Johor Baru are still finding it a hassle to upgrade, especially those operating in older shop lots.
Although it was launched two years ago, the Bersih, Mena­wan dan Wangi (Clean, Attrac­tive and Fragrant) standard was only recently announced by Johor Baru City Council (MBJB) as a requirement tied to business licence renewal, starting this year.
Johor Baru Business and Haw­ker Association president Roland Lim said that while the initiative was a good move, some business operators were hesitant about implementing it as many old shop lots were not structurally equipped for upgrades.
Lim says many old shop lots are not structurally equipped for upgrades.
'For new premises, it will be easier for them to carry out renovations to improve their toilets.
'In old shop lots, renovations may cause the walls to crack, as some buildings are more than 50 years old,' he told StarMetro.
'Getting a four-star rating may be relatively harder as it will require major renovations to make significant changes within older shop lots.'
Marlina says smaller operators cannot afford major renovations to meet the new standards.
However, Lim said hawker centre owners must make an effort to comply with the toilet regulations so that hawkers renting stalls can renew their respective licences without any issues.
'What matters is the shop owners' willingness to comply, as it may otherwise affect licence renewals.
'Even simple efforts like repainting can make a difference, and this can be done by many,' he said.
He also supported stricter enforcement of the cleanliness standards, especially with the upcoming Visit Johor 2026.
'As more tourists visit our state, we must present a clean, welcoming image. Strict guidelines are the way to go.'
Marlina Md Yasin, 51, who runs an eatery, agreed that while the toilets' condition was important, smaller operators faced challen­ges.
See says the state of toilets is a reflection of an eatery's hygiene standards.
'I do not have a clear idea on how to achieve a four-star toilet rating under this initiative.
'I would appreciate having clearer guidelines from the city council on how to meet the requirements, so that I can work towards them.'
Marlina, who has been selling patin tempoyak for the past 20 years in Taman Perling, said she always ensured her premises was well maintained.
'Small eateries like ours may not have the funds to carry out major renovations, but we make it a point to keep our toilets clean,' she assured.
Seasoned food and beverage operator See Ah Lek, 78, said the toilet requirements reinforced what food businesses should already be doing.
'I operate seven hawker centres in Johor Baru, and the toilets have a four-star or five-star rating.
'Clean toilets leave a lasting impression on customers, sometimes even more than the food, so I insist on having clean toilets at my premises.
'You can tell a lot about a restaurant's hygiene standards just by looking at its toilets,' said See, adding that as long as there were no flies or odour and the facilities were tidy, customers would return often.
In 2023, Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said food and beverage premises nationwide might fail to obtain their business licences from city councils if they did not achieve 'A' rating.
He said the requirement for the 'A' rating would be expanded to municipal councils this year and to district councils next year.