When you’re on the go, finding a clean and well-maintained restroom can make all the difference.
In Malaysia, however, the quality of public restrooms can be hit or miss, according to feedback from some foreign tourists.
While certain restrooms, such as those at the Guthrie Corridor Expressway (GCE) Rest and Service Area (R&R), have earned recognition for their cleanliness—winning the Toilet of The Year Award 2023—others aren’t quite meeting the mark.
Tourists rate M’sian public toilets 5/10
A survey conducted by Sinar Harian gathered opinions from foreign tourists, revealing a range of experiences in Kuala Lumpur, the bustling heart of Malaysia.
Many tourists rated public restrooms in Kuala Lumpur as average, with some recurring issues being highlighted. Here’s a rundown of the main points:
Mixed tourist reviews: Tourists in Kuala Lumpur generally rated public restrooms as average, with many giving them a score of 5 out of 10.
Common complaints:
- Wet and slippery floors.
- Lack of toilet paper, leaving visitors without basic necessities.
- Inconsistent cleanliness across different locations.
‘The floors are wet and there’s no toilet paper’
Some tourists, like Flavio Sartorelli from Italy, avoid public restrooms altogether.
“I’ve avoided public restrooms at places like gas stations and eateries because the floors are wet and there’s no toilet paper.
I’ve only used restrooms in my hotel or shopping malls, which are much cleaner,” he shared.
Comparisons with other countries
Mohamed Muaadh Alkahtani from Yemen, who now resides in China, noted that restrooms in Malaysia could benefit from regular upgrades to maintain hygiene.
“In China, restrooms are replaced every few years to address hygiene issues and prevent odours. Upgrading restrooms should be a priority, especially in places like restaurants and public parks,” he suggested.
Mohamed was also quick to acknowledge that the issues he noticed in Malaysia aren’t unique to this country alone.
“I’d rate Malaysian restrooms a five out of 10, but in Arab countries, I’d give them a three, and in China, they deserve an eight,” he added.
