LETTERS: Many public toilets and washrooms need a makeover. Most of them are in a sorry state and this does not augur well for the image of the nation.
We expect an influx of foreign tourists to our shores this year. The first place that foreign tourists will likely stop by are the airport washrooms.
Fortunately, our airport washrooms are clean and well maintained. But, public washrooms in most shopping outlets, petrol stations, bus terminals, railway stations, restaurants, food courts and other public areas are in a dismal state.
They are dirty, smelly and nauseating. Even before entering, the stench wafts over the vicinity. It is a wonder how the attendants could sit outside and collect money from the public using the public toilets.
In many places, urinals are clogged with cigarette butts, the toilet cisterns are broken and the toilet seat covers left wet and dirty. The door knobs are often broken and the latches do not lock. There are no tissues or toilet rolls.
The sinks are clogged and the pipes have low water pressure. The soap dispensers are always empty and the floor is wet, slippery and littered with broken tiles.
Managers of premises should learn how the washrooms at highway rest areas are maintained.
The washrooms at KLIA, KL Sentral and KLCC also deserve special mention for their immaculate condition. The onus is on the authorities to provide clean and hygienic toilets.
Lackadaisical washroom attitudes need to be addressed. Charge the users but ensure that toilets are kept clean because it is a health and environmental concern and affects the image of our country.
The state and condition of our toilets will linger in the minds of tourists long after they have returned to their home country. Foreigners will definitely use public toilets and the environment there will affect their perception of the nation.
SAMUEL YESUIAH
Seremban, Negri Sembilan
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times