Bmw Toilet Policy Needs A Rethink Improving Public Hygiene Is A Complex Issue Says Mca

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AN MCA leader has urged the government to rethink the new directive which requires operators of food premises across 20 city areas to comply with the BMW bersih (clean), menawan (attractive), and wangi (pleasant-smelling) toilet standards effective Jan 1 next year.
Party deputy president Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon was referring to the directive imposed by Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming which requires F&B operators to comply with the toilet standards or risk having their business licences revoked.
He said while the intention to enhance public hygiene and improve the overall image of our service sectors is commendable, it is essential to approach such policies with careful consideration.
“Washrooms, though essential, should not be the sole criterion for licensing, nor should they become merely a symbolic target for administrative convenience or aggrandising the power of enforcement officers,” he noted.
“The reaction from small business owners and the wider public suggests that this matter deserves thoughtful reflection. Improving public hygiene is a complex issue that cannot be resolved through regulation alone.”
Taking these factors into consideration, Dr Mah urged the Housing and Local Government Ministry (KPKT) to make sure that the standards are made clear and measurable.
“Without specific, quantifiable benchmarks and a transparent monitoring process, terms like ‘Clean, Attractive, and Pleasant-smelling’ risk being interpreted subjectively,” he said.
“This could lead to inconsistent enforcement and misunderstandings between officers and business owners. Public policy should be grounded in science and objectivity.”
Dr Mah said enforcement must also be fair and consistent, and if food premises are expected to meet these standards, the same should apply to other public facilities such as government buildings, wet markets, transport hubs and rest and recreation (R&R) areas.
“A system that is not applied uniformly may be perceived as unfair and risks undermining public trust,” he pointed out.
“Meanwhile, the policy should reflect real-world constraints whereby many small vendors, older eateries and traditional coffee shops operate within limited space and resources. Expecting them to carry out significant upgrades to meet aesthetic BMW standards may be unrealistic.
“Policies that do not account for economic and structural limitations may inadvertently encourage non-compliance rather than foster improvement.”
Mah further said while water closet cleanliness is crucial, the fundamental concerns for any food business are food safety, kitchen hygiene and quality of service.
“Tying licence renewal solely to toilet conditions, without equal attention to these core areas, could risk misplacing priorities,” he added.
Continued Dr Mah, lasting change in public hygiene habits is best achieved through education and incentives rather than penalties alone.
“Introducing recognition schemes, such as a ‘Clean Toilet Certification’ programme, alongside benefits like tax relief or promotional support, could encourage voluntary compliance and foster a positive culture of cleanliness,” he suggested.
“If we are serious about promoting higher standards of public hygiene, let us lead by example by ensuring government facilities meet these expectations first.
Through a balanced approach that includes guidance, support, and encouragement, we can collectively nurture a culture that truly values cleanliness and consideration.
“After all, the measure of a civilised society lies not in the fragrance of its toilets, but in the fairness of its policies and the compassion behind its governance.” ‒  Focus Malaysia

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