We thank Mr Cai Tian Shou for his letter, “Why are public toilets always dirty?”, and suggestions to improve the cleanliness of public toilets.
In the Year of Public Hygiene, the National Environment Agency and Singapore Food Agency (SFA) have stepped up enforcement on public toilet cleanliness. From 1 January to 15 November 2024, about 1,200 enforcement actions were taken against premises owners across all premises types including transport nodes and retail food establishments. SFA also suspended 10 coffeeshops for toilet-related (and other food safety) offences under the Points Demerit System.
Public toilets that are well-designed can also make maintenance easier. Some premises owners have stepped up by adopting more hygienic toilet practices and infrastructure to support a cleaner environment. This includes Senja Hawker Centre, Commonwealth Crescent Market & Food Centre, and Tan Xiang Chai Chee Coffeeshop, which have all received 5-stars under the Restroom Association (Singapore)'s 'Happy Toilet Programme’. Some examples of design elements and technologies that they have adopted include the use of ceramic tiles with a large surface for easier cleaning, as well as ammonia sensors and feedback panels to alert cleaners to the cleanliness levels of toilets, prompting them to adjust their cleaning schedule and rectify issues where necessary.
On-ground engagement initiatives to raise awareness, drive action and promote advocacy for cleaner public toilets remain important too. For example, the Public Hygiene Council has initiated the Neighbourhood Toilets Community Group programme, which forges partnerships between coffeeshop operators and SBS Transit with the local community, to jointly care for public toilets. Operators will step up their cleaning regime, whilst community volunteers will monitor cleanliness of the toilets, report findings to operators, and remind users to keep toilets clean.
However, the onus is not only on the authorities and premises owners to keep our public toilets clean. Members of the public must play a part too, by keeping toilet seat clean after use, flushing fully, keeping the floor dry, and throwing litter in the bins properly.
Ultimately, collective action is needed to improve public toilet cleanliness, from good public toilet design to adequate cleaning and maintenance, and responsible use.
Tony Teo
Group Director, Environmental Public Health Operations
National Environment Agency张明顺, 司长, 环境卫生行动司, 国家环境局
Siti Suriani Abdul Majid
Senior Director, Joint Operations DivisionSingapore Food Agency高级署长, 联合行动署, 新加坡食品局
