The acronym 'BMW' standard for public toilets caught my attention. This time, it is our Local Government Minister, Nga Kor Ming conducting spot checks on the cleanliness of public toilets. What does this 'BMW' stand for? Well, it is Bersih (clean), Menawan (attractive) and Wangi (Fragrant). Definitely, a good aspiration as we start the year.
The cleanliness of our public toilets as well as the poor maintenance of our public facilities has been a known fact for years. Despite the many times our government has changed leadership within the last few years, there has not been any improvement. I am really glad a number of our ministers are leading the way to make things right so that the rakyat will benefit from them. I hope all local officials in the various departments will soon catch the cue to be very proactive and diligent. Surely, I am not expecting our ministers to be going around checking everything all the time. They have started the ball rolling and all of us have to keep the ball rolling too.
I feel that all of us have a part to play in order to achieve 'BMW' standard toilets. The rakyat has to be the eyes that observe and report of all that is malfunctioning or not right. All of us must have the right attitude and use all public facilities responsibly so that our toilets are always clean, attractive and fragrant.
The cleaners and workers must take pride in whatever they are doing. When everyone has that attitude, I am confident that toilets and public facilities will be well-cleaned and well-maintained. Then the public who step into these places will not be closing their noses because of the stench but breathe in and say, "Wow, wangi! (Fragrant)".
So, to be fair to all, I hope stern warnings will be given to all who have been slacking in their duties. Those who have been caught misusing public facilities must also be punished accordingly, like being issued a fine for vandalising and such. When everyone is serious about achieving a new standard, then there will be progress.
It is said that old habits die hard. But let us all take the effort to help and educate one another towards being civic-minded in our actions, professional in our work and gracious in our deeds. With such a concerted effort, I am sure we will soon be proud Malaysians who are exemplary in our words and actions.
Let us all begin with 'BMW' standard public toilets.
By Mei Wong
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