2 days ago
Smart toilet for Cecil St market
From June 15, the public will have to pay 50sen to use the smart toilet.
THE presence of sensors, air quality updates and solar panels look almost out of place in an almost 100-year-old market in George Town, Penang.
Walk into the newly built Cecil Street market restroom and you may think you're in an ultra-modern space.
On the outside, a screen tells you which booths are occupied, the total number of users and the current air quality.
Inside, wooden benches, potted plants, welcoming lighting, fans and sensor-powered flushes all add up to a high-tech toilet break.
Tanjong MP Lim Hui Ying, Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Wong Yuee Harng and State local government, town and country planning committee chairman Jason H'ng Mooi Lye to launching for the Lebuh Cecil Smart Toilet at Entrance Hall, Lebuh Cecil Market. ( June 8, 2025 ) ¡°CHAN BOON KAI/The Star
In case of an emergency, a panic button is available to ensure safety at all times.
The smart toilet, courtesy of Penang Island City Council (MBPP), ensures that marketgoers have a comfortable visit while answering the call of nature.
MBPP mayor Datuk A. Rajendran said the upgraded toilet was an important step forward in addressing the standard of facilities at locations like local markets.
'It is solar powered and has motion sensors while the water supply comes from harvested rainwater.
'There is a screen with data displays to indicate air quality, availability (vacancy of toilets) and the number of visitors,' he said during the official opening ceremony at Cecil Street market.
Rajendran said the upgrade took five months to complete at a cost of RM462,050.
'There are 11 cubicles – six in the women's toilet, four in the men's toilet and one toilet for the disabled.
From June 15, the public will have to pay 50sen to use the smart toilet.
'The original one only had two each and one for the disabled.
'There is a nursing room for mothers and a storeroom as well,' he said.
Rajendran said this was the first of three public toilets that would be upgraded in Penang this year.
'The other two are public toilets in Jelutong and Farlim, which will have solar panels and full upgrades.
'There are 72 public toilets in the state and this is the first smart toilet,' he added.
The toilet will open from 6am to 10pm.
From June 15, there will be a 50sen charge for public use while hawkers and stall operators only need to pay 20sen.
These fees will go to a caretaker who is a retiree, not to MBPP, said Rajendra.
Present at the smart toilet's opening were Tanjong MP Lim Hui Ying, state local government and town and country planning committee chairman H'ng Mooi Lye and Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Wong Yuee Harng.
