If you’re a Malaysian or a tourist visiting the country, the one thing you can never run away from is the sight of a dirty, smelly, and wet toilet stall waiting to be used.
Given how pervasive this problem is, the government has long spent tons of money upgrading and upkeeping public toilets, but none has stunned Malaysians more than the one taking place at the Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA).
RM11.8mil to be spent upgrading toilet
According to Daily Express Malaysia, a total of 26 toilet sets are in the midst of being refurbished in two phases at a cost of RM11.8 million.
Assistant Minister to the Sabah Chief Minister and minister responsible for the City Hall (DBKK) Datuk Joniston Bangkuai took a look at the ongoing upgrades yesterday after receiving complaints over the toilet’s condition and cleanliness at Sabah’s main international gateway.
Meanwhile, KKIA Senior Airport Manager Jefry Ramli said 20 toilet sets comprising male, female and persons with disabilities facilities have been completed, while the remaining sets are slated to be done by April or May this year.
‘Was it made out of gold?!’
Despite the much-needed makeover, netizens were dumbfounded by the amount of money being spent on the project, with many asking in jest whether gold was used in the process.
Meanwhile, one alleged that bribery had most likely occurred in the project and urged the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to conduct an investigation.
Official response
In a press statement provided to WeirdKaya, Malaysia Airports said the upgrades were meant to repair ageing infrastructure which has been in operation for over 20 years.
It added the toilets are subject to “heavy, continuous use and required complete renewal to meet current operational, hygiene and accessibility standards expected of an international airport.”
“The renovation covered a total of 196 toilet cubicles, 25 toilets for persons with disabilities, four baby care rooms and 26 janitor storerooms.
“Works involved complete strip-out and replacement of plumbing and sanitary systems, waterproofing and drainage improvements, mechanical and electrical upgrades, improved accessibility features, and installation of fittings designed for high-traffic use,” the statement read.
Malaysia Airport also said all upgrading works were done within an operating terminal, which requires phased delivery, controlled work zones and close coordination with airport operations to ensure facilities remained available to passengers throughout the renovation period.
Phase 1 was completed in March 2025, while Phase 2 is slated to be completed in April 2026.
What do you think of the upgrades? Share with us in the comments!
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