Public Outcry Over Dismal State of Public Toilets in Brunei

By Malai Hassan Othman

 

Date: July 10, 2024

 

This time around, we want to talk about the toilet. The worsening situation of unhygienic and dirty public toilets in Brunei is making rounds, leaving people irked and frustrated.

 

 Public dissatisfaction over the appalling condition of public toilets in Brunei is mounting, with many citizens questioning the commitment of relevant authorities to address this pressing issue. From shopping malls to schools, the state of public restrooms has become a hot topic, sparking debates on social media and in local publications.

 

Despite the high percentage of people using basic sanitation services in Brunei—reported at 99.48% in 2022 by the World Bank—the reality on the ground paints a starkly different picture. The nation, which prides itself on its cleanliness and high living standards, appears to be grappling with a pervasive problem of poorly maintained public toilets.

 

Public Outrage and Health Concerns

 Concerned parents and citizens have taken to the opinion pages of the Borneo Bulletin and various social media platforms to voice their frustrations. "Worried Mum," a frequent contributor, highlighted the dire conditions in school restrooms. She recounted how her son developed a urinary tract infection due to his reluctance to use the filthy and foul-smelling school toilets. Her plea for immediate action from authorities resonates with many parents who fear for their children's health and well-being.

 

Another concerned parent, "Irked Dad," shared a similar experience, lamenting the persistent lack of basic hygiene amenities such as hand soap in a prominent shopping mall. "I visit this mall at least once a month, but the issue of unavailable hand soap persists. It irks me every time I use the toilets there," he wrote, emphasizing the need for better hygiene protocols.

 

Investigative Findings

 An investigative audit conducted by the Ministry of Finance and Economy's Tourism Services Standards revealed alarming statistics. Out of 50 public toilets inspected from January to June 2023, only one received a Grade A rating for meeting all criteria of cleanliness, design, amenities, and safety. The majority were found to be lacking, with 24 toilets graded B (meeting important needs), 18 graded C (requiring urgent repairs), and seven deemed unsafe for use.

 

Public Sentiment and Cultural Factors

 Public sentiment suggests that the root of the problem lies not only in the quality of cleaning services but also in the users' attitudes and behaviors. Cultural practices, such as the extensive use of water for cleansing, often lead to excessively wet and unhygienic conditions in toilets. Critics argue that while water cleanses, it also fosters an environment conducive to bacterial and fungal growth if not managed properly.

 

The debate extends to the comparison of local hygiene standards with those in neighboring countries. "All public toilets in Brunei, including shopping malls and schools, are disgusting. Compared to Miri and Limbang, Brunei is far worse," commented a frustrated citizen, calling for stricter standards and enforcement.

 

Toilet Tissue Usage in Brunei

 The growing demand for hygiene products in Brunei underscores the importance of maintaining clean public toilets. In 2024, the revenue in the Toilet Paper market in Brunei Darussalam reached US$7.90 million, with an annual growth rate projected at 3.09% from 2024 to 2029. Each person in Brunei generated revenues of US$17.34 from toilet paper consumption in 2024, and on average, each person is expected to consume 8.6 kg units of toilet paper this year. This surge in demand reflects the country's high standard of living and focus on cleanliness, further emphasizing the need for improved maintenance of public restrooms.

 

Calls for Action and Solutions

 In light of the growing outcry, several proposals have been put forth to improve the state of public restrooms in Brunei. These include implementing a small entry fee to fund maintenance, conducting regular spot checks by authorities, and integrating practical hygiene lessons into school curricula.

 

Some advocate for a return to traditional practices of involving students in maintaining their school environments. "Maybe we should start implementing a policy to have students clean the school toilets. This not only teaches responsibility but also promotes cleanliness," suggested a commenter on a popular social media thread.

 

Government Initiatives Stalled

 The government had previously acknowledged the issue and taken steps to address it. The Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism, in collaboration with the SEAMEO Regional Centre for Vocational and Technical Education and Training (SEAMEO VOCTECH), conducted training programs on maintaining clean and hygienic public toilets from 2021 to 2023. The program aimed to raise awareness and provide best practices for effective toilet management among relevant stakeholders. However, there have been no recent initiatives or follow-up actions, raising questions about the government's commitment to this cause.

 

In April 2024, the Jawatankuasa Kebersihan Tandas Kerajaan dan Swasta (JKTKS) launched a public survey to gather feedback on the state of public toilets. Despite the survey’s closure in April, there has been no official feedback or action taken based on the results, leaving the public in the dark about any potential improvements.

 

Conclusion

 As Brunei aspires to achieve its Wawasan 2035 vision, addressing basic hygiene and cleanliness issues in public toilets remains a fundamental challenge. The collective effort of authorities, cleaning services, and the public is crucial in ensuring that Brunei's public restrooms reflect the nation's high standards and commitment to cleanliness. The ongoing dialogue and proposed solutions offer hope for a cleaner and healthier future for all, but the lack of recent initiatives and feedback from government surveys cast doubt on the effectiveness of these efforts. (MHO/07/2024)