PUTRAJAYA: Food and beverage premises located in city councils nationwide may fail to get their business licences renewed next year if their toilets do not achieve the 'A' certification standard set by the Local Government Development Ministry.

Its minister Nga Kor Ming said this was in line with the move to improve the country's public toilets to be 'BMW' (bersih (clean), Menawan (attractive), Wangi (fragrant).

"It will be compulsory for these premises to possess the 'A' rating for their toilets in restaurants, hotels, coffee shops, cafes and mamak eateries.

"If they do not achieve the 'A' rating, then the renewal of the licence may not be allowed. We do not want to put up with dirty toilets that are uncomfortable for the people.

"We will issue guidelines on what needs to be done (to get the 'A' rating)," said Nga at a Jalinan Muhibah event to mark the 2023 Chinese New Year celebrations today.

Nga said that after city councils', the requirement for the 'A' rating will be expanded to municipal councils in 2025 and district councils in 2026.

Meanwhile, Nga said the ministry will engage with all stakeholders to explore the best financing method should Singapore's Housing Development Board (HDB) flat concept be implemented here.

Nga had reportedly said that the Singapore government had given its approval for its HDB flat contractors to visit his ministry.

He said the visit, scheduled this month, was to share knowledge on affordable housing.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2023/02/876236/restaurants-dirty-toilets-may-be-unable-renew-licenses-next-year