Kuala lumpur: Starting next year, only premises with clean toilets and meeting minimum hygiene standards will be eligible for business licenses, according to local authorities (PBT). Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming announced that these guidelines will be phased in to enhance the country’s toilet standards.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the guidelines will be applied incrementally, beginning with City Councils in 2026, followed by Municipal Councils in 2027, and District Councils in 2028. The goal is to establish the ‘BMW’ (Clean, Attractive, Fragrant) toilet standard nationwide, improving public service image and user experience, especially in anticipation of Visit Malaysia Year 2026.

Minister Nga outlined that the guidelines also introduce a new ratio for toilet facilities in business premises and public buildings, requiring at least one male toilet and two female toilets to accommodate user needs and traffic flow. “Starting next year, public toilets constructed must adhere to KPKT guidelines to prevent long queues during festive seasons,” he said. Citing Japanese research, he pointed out that women generally need more time in restrooms compared to men.

Nga also highlighted the success of the KPKT Best Toilet Award 2025 (TOTYA 2025), with 744 submissions, marking an increase from previous years. This rise reflects TOTYA’s status as a national benchmark for public toilet hygiene standards. The government has allocated RM180 million over three years from 2024 for public toilet upgrades nationwide.

At the TOTYA 2025 ceremony, awards were presented in eight categories. Winners received RM20,000, a trophy, and a certificate. Among the winners were Masjid Tepian Putra, Kuantan, and Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan (Cina) Chung Kwok Kuala Lumpur, for the House of Worship and School categories, respectively. Other winners included Sushi Tie in Bintulu, Sarawak, for the Restaurant category, and NU Hotel, also in Bintulu, for the Hotel category.