A new directive imposed by the Minister of Housing and Local Government YB Nga Kor Ming, which requires food establishments in 20 city areas to comply with the BMW “Bersih, Menawan, Wangi” (Clean, Attractive, and Pleasant-Smelling) toilet standards from 1 January 2026, or risk having their licences revoked, has understandably stirred concern among many.

Recognising the intentions behind this move - to enhance public hygiene and improve the overall image of our service sectors, it is essential to approach such policies with careful consideration. Washrooms, though essential, should not be the sole criterion for licensing, nor should they become merely a symbolic target for administrative convenience or aggrandising the power of enforcement officers.

The reaction from small business owners and the wider public suggests that this matter deserves thoughtful reflection. Improving public hygiene is a complex issue that cannot be resolved through regulation alone.

Taking the above into account, following are five proposals for KPKT:

1. Standards must be clear and measurable.

Without specific, quantifiable benchmarks and a transparent monitoring process, terms like “Clean, Attractive, and Pleasant-smelling” risk being interpreted subjectively. This could lead to inconsistent enforcement and misunderstandings between officers and business owners. Public policy should be grounded in science and objectivity.

2. Enforcement must be fair and consistent.

If food outlets are expected to meet these standards, the same should apply to public facilities such as government buildings, wet markets, transport hubs, rest and recreation areas along highways and even municipal council premises. A system that is not applied uniformly may be perceived as unfair and risks undermining public trust.

3. Policy should reflect real-world constraints.

Many small vendors, older eateries, and traditional coffee shops operate within limited space and resources. Expecting them to carry out significant upgrades to meet aesthetic BMW standards may be unrealistic. Policies that do not account for economic and structural limitations may inadvertently encourage non-compliance rather than foster improvement.

4. Focus should remain on core priorities.

While water closet (WC) cleanliness is important, the fundamental concerns for any food business are food safety, kitchen hygiene, and quality of service. Tying licence renewal solely to toilet conditions, without equal attention to these core areas, could risk misplacing priorities.

5. Encouragement works better than enforcement.

Lasting change in public hygiene habits is best achieved through education and incentives, rather than penalties alone. Introducing recognition schemes, such as a “Clean Toilet Certification” programme, alongside benefits like tax relief or promotional support, could encourage voluntary compliance and foster a positive culture of cleanliness.

If we are serious about promoting higher standards of public hygiene, let us lead by example - ensuring government facilities meet these expectations first. Through a balanced approach that includes guidance, support, and encouragement, we can collectively nurture a culture that truly values cleanliness and consideration. After all, the measure of a civilised society lies not in the fragrance of its toilets, but in the fairness of its policies and the compassion behind its governance.

Dato’ Dr Mah Hang Soon
MCA Deputy President

10 October 2025

-MCA Comm-