KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 20): The Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) will allocate RM150 million from 2026 to 2030 to repair and upgrade public toilets managed by local authorities (PBTs).

During the Toilet of the Year Award 2026 (TOTYA’26) ceremony organised by KPPT at Pavilion Arena, Pavilion Damansara Heights on Tuesday, KPKT minister Nga Kor Ming said the ministry will channel RM30 million annually under the 13th Malaysia Plan for the maintenance initiative.

"The continuous injection of funds will not only benefit the people directly, but also generate economic returns for the country and stimulate the domestic industry related to toilet products, sanitary fittings and public facility technologies," Nga told the press. 

He added that from 2023 to this year, KPKT had approved and channelled RM154 million to PBTs to maintain, repair, upgrade and modernise 1,529 public toilets nationwide.

TOTYA’26 recognised eight facilities across Malaysia for their toilet facilities at the awards, including Sunway Square Mall, Petronas Presint 18 and Iconic Marjorie Penang, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel.

The other winners were The Lotas (Mamakim) in Desa Sri Hartamas for restaurants; SK Tok Randok in Terengganu for schools; Masjid Nurussalam in Gerik, Perak, for places of worship; W01 Tandas Awam Tasik Barat, Shah Alam for public toilets; and the Seremban (south-bound) rest and service area (R&R) along the North-South Expressway for the R&R category.

Nga said TOTYA’26 received 849 entries this year, up from 345 in 2023.

“The increase clearly reflects the growing commitment and awareness of toilet cleanliness among premises operators and the community,” he said. 

He added that the ministry’s Bersih, Menawan dan Wangi (BMW) initiative, which promotes clean, attractive and fragrant toilets, aimed to make high hygiene standards an integral part of the country’s public facilities and national identity.

“National progress is not measured only by magnificent skyscrapers, but also by the quality of basic facilities enjoyed by every segment of society,” he said.

Nga also announced that tertiary education institutions would be introduced as the ninth category for TOTYA next year, expanding the awards’ coverage to more types of public and institutional facilities.

He commended Petron Malaysia Refining & Marketing Bhd (KL:PETRONM) for achieving four- and five-star ratings for more than 90% of its petrol station toilets, an accomplishment recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records.

KPKT is also looking to expand its six-star BMW-i Smart Toilet initiative, following the opening of its first facility at Dataran Putra, next to Masjid Putra in Putrajaya.

The facility is equipped with sensors and automatic bidets, alongside a digital monitoring system that allows public toilet ratings to be tracked through KPKT’s PBTs application.

Nga said the ministry intended to expand the initiative to Kuala Lumpur and state capitals nationwide, particularly in tourist hotspots.

“We want more people and tourists to enjoy clean and comfortable public toilet facilities, while enhancing Malaysia’s image as a preferred global tourism destination,” he said.