Elevating Hygiene Standards in Public Toilets

Elevating Hygiene Standards in Public Toilets

Public toilets are part and parcel of a society's infrastructure, and in Malaysia, they have suffered poor reputation in hygiene standards for decades. The good news is that the Malaysian government is taking action to improve the hygiene standards in our public toilets starting with the launch of the "Toilet of The Year Award" on 30th October 2023.1

It aims to transform public toilets in Malaysia to be clean, attractive, and fragrant, as well as to enhance the country's image, especially among foreign tourists. It’s also a timely move as we prepare the country for Visit Malaysia Year 2026.2   

Issues of Public Toilets in Malaysia

Public toilets in Malaysia, much like elsewhere, face all kinds of issues. Dirty toilet bowls, clogged toilets, overflowing sanitary bins, shoe prints on toilet bowl lids, and lack of hand hygiene facilities, are sadly common. 

Then there’s the issue of wet floors. In Malaysia, we use handheld bidets, they’re great for keeping our privates clean. However, there are often instances of the bidet not being shut off properly, and careless using of excessive water. 

All these factors make the toilet a breeding ground for bacteria and viruses, contributing to the spread of illnesses. This not only impacts the well-being of the users, but could also deter tourists from visiting our wonderful country.

At times, we even smell the stench from the toilets before reaching it. When we catch a whiff of something, we’re inhaling tiny molecules of chemicals, bacteria and viruses into our bodies, these molecules trigger specific nerve cells within our nasal passages, known as olfactory sensory neurons that send the signals to our brains which identify the smell.3 Thus, smelly toilets are actually hazardous to our health, as we could be inhaling harmful odour molecules. While some of us no longer wear masks as frequently, it's worth considering keeping them handy for moments where unpleasant odours might be present. 

A Collaborative Approach to Better Hygiene

Maintaining high hygiene standards in public toilets requires a concerted effort from businesses, local authorities, the public, and cleaning service providers. 

First of all, we can implement a thorough and effective cleaning process such as a top-down, in-out approach is vital to ensure toilets are properly cleaned. Top-down refers to cleaning from high areas and working the way down on items such as the windows, walls and doors. Then cleaners should proceed to the sink, toilet bowl, countertop and finally, the floor, in an in-out manner from the inner to outer areas, before exiting the toilet.

While regular cleaning is crucial, your business can achieve optimal hygiene with easy-to-include cleaning products. Toilet seat sanitisers, and urinal sanitisers for men’s toilets, rapidly eliminate germs and bacteria, and neutralise unpleasant odours. There are also air fresheners, which leave restrooms smelling fresh and pleasant. Besides that, providing necessary amenities like toilet paper, sanitary bins, hand soap, hand sanitisers, and hand dryers is essential for greater comfort and hygiene. Proper airflow with blower is also important to reduce moisture build-up and minimise unpleasant odours.

Users must also practice good toilet hygiene habits to reduce the spread of germs. 

  1. Wipe the toilet seat from the front to back to prevent the possible spread of any urinary tract infections.
  2. Close the toilet lid before flushing to minimise the spread of airborne germs. 
  3. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the toilet. This is the single most effective way to prevent the spread of germs.
  4. Dry hands before leaving the toilet, as damp hands attract more bacteria.

Pushing For More 5-Star Rated Public Toilets

As businesses, we can make a difference. By partnering with reputable cleaning service and product providers like Maclean, you can ensure that your establishment has clean, hygienic, and well-maintained toilets. 

Maclean has a well-established presence in the cleaning industry in Malaysia for over 4 decades. We offer an under-one-roof solution with Maclean Services and Maclean Initial. Maclean Services ensures thorough cleaning and disinfection of toilets, while Maclean Initial offers a comprehensive range of hygiene products tailored to your company’s specific needs. From toilet seat sanitisers and air fresheners to toilet papers, sanitary bins, floor mats, hand soaps, hand dryers, and urinal sanitisers, Maclean supplies them all.

We ensure a holistic approach to maintaining cleanliness of toilets, with our professional cleaning, toiletry supply, and hygiene services. We have helped clients, such as leading hypermarkets, to obtain “Public Toilet 5-Star Rating” or “Cleanest Toilet” awards. Our clients’ toilets have witnessed a remarkable improvement in cleanliness, hygiene, and overall user satisfaction. 

For more information on Maclean’s cleaning, hygiene and toiletry services, contact us at 010-220 0952 or 019-292 1105 or enquire@maclean.com.my.

References:
  1.
The Star. (2023, October 30). Toilet of the year award for 'gold-standard' restrooms, boost country's image, says Nga.
  2.
The Star. (2023, October 13). Budget 2024: Next visit Malaysia year to be held in 2026.
  3.
National Institutes of Health. (2020, May 12). How the nose decodes complex odours.

Beyond Cost Effective Solutions

“Thank you, Maclean team, for the good support and on time completion of the cleaning activities as required at the Phase 2 cafeteria and Phase 2 new wing office floor without any delays which met client satisfaction.”

Manufacturing

“The final cleaning has come to an end today. We appreciate your team's full commitment and cooperation in ensuring the successful completion of the cleaning work at Plot H. Your site person in charge and his team has performed well throughout the cleaning period. Their prompt response and action as well as their workmanship on the end-product satisfied us.”

Construction

“I would like to take this opportunity to first, thank you for the 9 years of services to the hospital. Maclean has offered a top-level cleaning service with the magnificent team of client service right down to the cleaner.

I am particularly writing to appreciate the cleaner, namely BAL BAHADUR, M. SUMON and MASLINDAH for their professionalism and exceptional work ethic. They are punctual, dependable and presented with more than what has been asked of them.”

Hospital

“We are writing to express my sincere appreciation for the exceptional work of the cleaning crew who was responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of our office premises. Over the past few weeks, we have observed the excellent work that Nur Alom has been doing, and we must say that his dedication and professionalism are truly commendable.

I have personally witnessed Nur Alom going the extra miles to ensure that the office is clean and hygienic especially during these challenging times post pandemic. His commitment to maintaining a clean and safe environment has been exceptional, and he has made a significant contribution to keep our workplace safe and healthy for all employees. “

Office

“We would like to express our thanks towards janitor Suriakala for excellent cleaning services rendered during Deep Cleaning activities on 14th and 28th January 2023. As well, we find her job deliverance is excellent and committed on daily routine tasks.

Hereby, we extend our thanks to Bobby, Fahmi for their prompt response of any inquiries and replacement planning during janitor's absence. We are also thankful to be supported by the Maclean team for

  • deep cleaning upholstery office chairs, sofa
  • fabric wall meeting rooms
  • fabric cubicle – employee workstation areas
  • lobby reception, breakout area, workstation area
  • floor scrubbing at carpeted area total approximately 3,617sqft
  • floor scrubbing at pantry vinyl floor area"
Office

“Excellent cleaning services. Prompt response of any inquiries and fast planning during your janitor on leave”

Hypermarket

“Excellent service during the summer break for the school opening preparations - efficient, gracious customer service, the level of detail and accountability you have demonstrated on the housekeeping service.”

Education

Our Supervisors and Crew Are Well Trained

“I received a verbal compliment from client on Crew’s performance & improvement after we had engagement meeting. Well done and keep up the good work!”

Office

“Services provided by the crew on site was good and amazing, especially the head of the crew obviously showing his excellent performance on managing his team that provided high quality cleanliness service throughout the year. They have shown a great team spirit and hope this can continue and maintained in future. I would also take this opportunity to congratulate Miss Nadia who trained such a good team and of course your good services to our company as well.”

Retail

“Thank you very much for the team you lead! Professional and high efficiency!”

Education

“Convey our outmost appreciations for the excellent service provided to our team in Bayan Lepas. Your team, which is Samy and his supportive team, have been doing great jobs & supported us. Samy has been committed to all the tasks given with fast response from him & the teams.”

Manufacturing

“Formally and sincerely express our gratitude for the amazing honesty your team shown during recently lost and found case. Nurhayati Binti Abdullah had shown exceptional discipline and dedication to her daily work. Her actions directly impacted our image and Maclean directly benefited the team and company on a greater level. Once again, thank you for the leadership shown by Maclean’s management team – Kak Mis on the diligence and integrity adopted for all the team on the site.”

Office

“Layanan yang sangat baik, berdisiplin, komited, sabar, berbudi bahasa dan sentiasa positif.”

3S Centre

“Thank You for the Good Service. I would like to express my deep appreciation for the women who are doing the cleaning at our premise. I am very satisfied with their work! I would like to thank Diana (supervisor) and Sajib who always monitor and ensure someone to cover when the cleaners go on leave. Good teamwork and dependable.”

Education

We Are Well Versed with Various Industry Compliancy Requirements

“Congratulations “Maclean Team” as all cleaners have successfully passed the EHS training that was conducted on site.

We are satisfied with their service”

Manufacturing

“Thanks for your team’s kind support to maintain the cleanliness of our LMM plant during our two important events:

(1) EHS Corporate Audit

(2) EHS Plan Forum Recognition”

Manufacturing

“Thank you very much for giving 100% support and for ensuring we followed and maintained proper social distancing amid the events.”

Manufacturing

“Gratitude for Maclean’s performance and support during our compliance audit held last October. Maclean’s team has made so much effort in order to keep our business running with full compliance. It's a good image that we comply to every legal requirement that was relevant with Maclean’s help. Maimunah has been key player into this Audit weeks.”

Office

“Many thanks to Zura for the last compliance audit which covered compliance in pharmaceuticals.”

Office

“Our management would like to take the opportunity to sincerely thank you for the excellent service provided to our facility especially for the fresh goods department, for maintaining cleanliness as per our standard.”

Hypermarket

“Able to answer questions from Auditor during ISO Audit.”

Office

Understanding Urgency and Providing Personalised Attention

“We would like to extend our greatest appreciation to you and your team for all the hard work going the extra mile ensuring everything is ready for the event. We know there were a quite a bit of last-minute requests, but you guys managed to extend your excellent service and that made a difference definitely. We appreciate your contribution and management also relay their appreciation and gratitude to all the Janitor team. Thank you so much for being good support for this event and hope this good performance can be maintained.”

Manufacturing

“Hope you are doing great. For the past few months Samy Rau has been supervising our Penang location. We are very grateful that he has been showing his interest and helping me to solve a lot of problems. His presence here during the site visit has made us able to voice up regarding most issues directly. Most pending issues have been resolved. We hope that we will make a better team in future.”

Manufacturing

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Samy and the team, especially Ali Raihan, Sajib Sikdar and all Maclean team members for helping our team on the water leaking issue that happened. Their fast respond to our call during midnight and coming to help us to handle the situation. Keep it up and continue to work together and support our Facilities team.”

Manufacturing

“They are remarkable with their attitudes. The way they go above and beyond to ensure that all our events are presented well, their sense of collaboration and attention to detail is greatly valued.”

Education

“I would like to extend our appreciation for the amazing work done by your team on site especially team leader, Maimunah in supporting several occasions of main event. They have been supportive in terms of logistic, pre-event preparation and on top of that making the event running smoothly.

Please pass my appreciation to Maimunah, Sulaiman, Susilawati and Haipah for their support.”

Office

In addition to the above, we are proud and grateful to receive 2 awards from CBRE:

  • Exceptional Service Award 2022 
  • Best Safety and Covid Response Award 2022

So, try us out and experience the Maclean service first-hand. 

To find out more on how we give you the best value for your budget without compromising your health or safety, please connect with us at 03-7773 0300 or enquire@maclean.com.my.

Mar 2024
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