Lukewarm response to loo design competition

Star: PETALING JAYA: Many Malaysians are critical over dirty public toilets but response to calls to come up with award-winning designs to overcome this longstanding woe recently has been lukewarm.
The authorities are tight-lipped over the entries for its public toilet competition which closes on Dec 16.
“Maybe they will submit at the last minute. We advertised the competition on Nov 23,” said a Housing and Local Government Ministry official.
The competition organised by the ministry is divided into three categories – stand-alone public toilet, toilet in eatery shop and toilet in shopping complex.
Deputy Minister Datuk Robert Lau Hoi Chew said a winning design should include features like how to keep the toilets clean and dry.
He said some users must wash up after easing themselves and a good bidet with a suitable spray – not too strong pressure and at the right angle – would be one way to avoid wet floors.
Malaysia Institute of Architects president Dr Tan Loke Mun noted that keeping public toilets clean and dry was a big challenge.
“Neighbouring countries appeared to be successful in this aspect which depends on not just toilet designs but also proper maintenance and good user habits,” he noted.
The competition jointly organised with the Public Works Ministry offers a first prize of RM5,000, a second prize of RM3,000 and a third prize of RM1,000.
The competition is open to all Malaysians – individual, group or company – and there is no age limit.
Visit www.kpkt.gov.my for details.