Having tackled how to pray in space, the Malaysians concentrate on more earthly concerns....
Malaysia will try to flush its long-held image of having foul-smelling public restrooms with a National Toilet Summit.
Deputy Housing and Local Government Minister Robert Lau - whose ministry will hold the conference in Kuala Lumpur Aug. 24 and 25 - said Tuesday "having clean restrooms in this country is a serious challenge that we have to tackle." Mark your calendars now for "Flushed With Victory - Take That, Indonesia!!"
Public toilets in Malaysia have long disgusted residents and tourists with their lack of basic items such as toilet paper, soap and sometimes even toilet seats. Many fall prey to vandals. Sounds like the public restrooms back in my old high school...
Lau said the meeting would bring together local officials and international experts on toilet management, including the founder of the World Toilet Organization, Jack Sim. That's something I'd really like to have on my business card or resume.
Unclean commodes scare away tourists, Lau said. "The mission is to raise users' etiquette and to motivate the change in the psychological ethics and attitudes of users and owners," he said. "In other words, don't @#$% on the seat, you nasty @#$%s!"
Shopping malls and other commercial establishments that do not have clean toilets may not have their business licenses renewed, he said, adding the government was also considering imposing fines for vendors with dirty washrooms. |