PETALING JAYA: Improvements to toilet cleanliness and public facilities remain the top concern for both local and international tourists, say stakeholders.
As Malaysia prepares to receive more tourist arrivals with Visit Malaysia 2026 and state tourism promotions, improvements to toilet cleanliness and public facilities are required to show high level priority towards hygiene and comfort, especially public toilets at tourist spots.
Despite the standard of public facilities in Kuala Lumpur having seen improvements over the years, there are still areas that need attention, says Sheikh Awadh Sheikh Abdullah.
The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents deputy president said challenges remain, especially in the maintenance and safety of recreational parks.
“In terms of public transportation, like the Light Rail Transit system, it is widely used and generally reliable.
“Public restrooms, on the other hand, often receive mixed reviews, with many achieving only a three-star rating,” he said in response to what improvements should be made to public facilities.
Melaka Tourism Association president Madelina WL Kuah said tourists do not mind paying if there are more facilities especially for those aged 40 and above and mothers with infants.
She said baby changing facilities were still lacking, especially in public areas.
“When you have kids, especially babies, it can be quite challenging. For example, I had twins, so you can imagine how difficult it can be if there are no facilities,” she said.
“You will find good facilities for mother and child in malls, but in public places it is very rare. And toilet facilities are also a challenge in general for tourists.”
Kuah added that the disabled community often do not have facilities for their needs and this is something that must be improved not just for tourists but also locals.
Another point she highlighted was that medical and health facilities were still minimal.
“I think there should be more automated external defibrillators placed at major locations to allow people to perform first aid.
Ambulance assistance must also be provided and accessible in the case of an emergency.
“This is where we need the assistance of tourist police to help in such situations for tourists who lack familiarity with the country.
“So we should have proper tourist information centres with a tourist ambassador to guide tourists,” she said.
Additionally, Kuah said walking on pavements should be safe for people.
Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations senior manager Saral James Maniam cited several Malaysian Standards (MS) that must be followed to ensure facilities are up to mark.
The MS is a national standard developed by Standards Development Committee within the Malaysian Standards Development System and approved by the Investment, Trade and Industry Minister in accordance with Standards of Malaysia Act 1996 (Act 549).
“MS 2015: Part 1: 2006, which outlines the minimum design criteria for public toilets, which is to ensure they meet basic requirements for cleanliness, safety and accessibility.
“MS 1184:2014 focuses on universal design and accessibility in the built environment, ensuring that public facilities, including tourist attractions, are accessible to people with disabilities.
“For Muslims, the MS 2610:2015, which provides guidelines for Muslim-friendly hospitality services, ensures that accommodation meets the needs of travellers,” she told The Star in response to improving the maintenance culture in Malaysia in anticipation of tourist arrivals.
Uniform Building By-Laws (Amendment) 1991, which mandates that public buildings and facilities must be accessible to people with disabilities, including provisions for ramps, accessible toilets, and other necessary adaptations was another factor that must be considered, Saral added.
It was reported that Malaysia welcomed 5.8 million foreign tourists from January to March this year, which is a 34.8% improvement from the 4.3 million visitors during the same period last year.
Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Tiong King Sing said the top 10 tourist arrivals to Malaysia were from Singapore, Indonesia, China, Thailand, Brunei, India, South Korea, Australia, the United Kingdom and the Philippines.
