Melaka cracks down on dirty toilets for Visit Melaka 2024

The cleanliness of toilets, especially in tourist-centric shopping centres, has been flagged as unsatisfactory, impacting the Visit Melaka 2024 (TMM) initiative.

Datuk Rais Yasin, Chairman of the Melaka Housing, Local Government, Drainage, Climate Change, and Disaster Management Committee, expressed concern over the current state of shopping center toilets, revealing that none have achieved a five-star rating, potentially tarnishing Melaka’s image as a tourist destination.

Cleanliness of toilets hinders TMM initiative

Highlighting the issue, Datuk Rais Yasin remarked, “This is not good for Melaka as a tourist state, especially when we are implementing TMM 2024.

I have received many complaints about private toilets that are not well-maintained, neglecting cleanliness issues.”

“Maintaining cleanliness is crucial for visitors’ and tourists’ comfort, especially during the Visit Melaka Year 2024 (TMM2024) campaign,” he told reporters at a free petrol refill programme at a petrol station in Krubong here today.

To boost awareness, particularly among premises owners throughout TMM2024, Rais said the state government would conduct a clean toilet challenge in the near future.

Discrepancy in ratings and surprise visits

Rais noted that some shopping centers only received a one-star rating for toilet cleanliness, indicating indifference towards maintaining hygienic facilities.

In contrast, he expressed satisfaction with public toilets managed by local authorities, some of which have achieved a five-star rating.

To address the issue, Rais announced plans for surprise visits to all shopping center toilets, including those in petrol stations and those maintained by private entities.

The primary goal is to ensure cleanliness, benefiting both tourists and locals.

“The purpose is not to fine or take any action but to ensure that the toilets are clean for the benefit of all parties,” clarified Rais, emphasising the importance of maintaining clean toilets as an essential element for households.

As Melaka strives to position itself as a premier tourist destination under the Visit Melaka 2024 initiative, the focus on cleanliness and hygiene becomes paramount.

The committee’s commitment to conducting surprise visits demonstrates a proactive approach to address the issue at its core. The outcome of these efforts will likely contribute to creating a positive and memorable experience for tourists, aligning with the goals of the TMM initiative.