Going sightseeing in Putrajaya? Even your toilet break can now come with a little tech upgrade.
A new public toilet at Dataran Putra features automatic taps, soap dispensers and flushing systems. Basically, fewer things to touch when nature calls.
According to Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming’s Facebook post, the facility beside Putra Mosque is Malaysia’s first BMW-i smart toilet.
A ‘BMW-i’ for your next toilet break
The name might make you think of a fancy ride, but this BMW-i stands for “Bersih, Menawan, Wangi & Pintar”, meaning clean, attractive, fragrant and smart.
Nga shared that he had officiated the opening of the facility, which is designed to make toilet visits more comfortable for the public and tourists exploring Putrajaya.
He also tied it to Visit Malaysia Year, pointing out that giving international visitors a good first impression matters. And yes, that includes the toilets.
Even the soap gets the smart treatment
If you’re someone who tries to touch as few things as possible in a public toilet, this part might appeal to you.
According to Nga, the taps, soap dispensers and flushing systems are automatic, so there’s no need to press or turn them manually.
The facility also has sensors to monitor air quality and cleanliness, alongside facilities for persons with disabilities.
A toilet that keeps tabs on its own air quality? That’s a feature visitors can probably appreciate.
Part of a bigger toilet upgrade
The Putrajaya opening also comes amid wider efforts to improve toilet facilities nationwide.
According to The Star, Nga said 11,835 public and school toilet facilities have been upgraded since 2023.
The total comprises 1,592 public toilets under local authorities and toilet facilities at 10,243 schools, with the school upgrades carried out in collaboration with the Education Ministry.
That figure covers the broader upgrade programme, rather than 11,835 toilets with the same smart features.
Smart toilet, considerate users please
Of course, even a smart toilet still needs users to do their part.
In his Facebook post, Nga reminded visitors to take care of the facility, saying that while the government can provide good amenities, cleanliness ultimately depends on people’s attitudes too.
His message was simple: keeping public spaces clean is everyone’s responsibility.
The toilet can flush automatically. Being considerate to the next person? That part is still on us.
