KUALA LUMPUR: The Housing and Local Government Ministry plans to roll out its new BMW-i or Bersih, Menawan, Wangi (clean, attractive, and fragrant) smart toilets initiative next year.

Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming, speaking at the at the Toilet of the Year Award (Totya) 2024 ceremony today, said 16 public toilets will be upgraded to BMW-i status by the respective local councils.

The smart public toilets, he said, will incorporate advanced features such as built-in automatic bidets, automatic floor-cleaning machines, automatic doors for people with disabilities (PWD) toilets, and automated customer feedback systems.

He said Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) has been allocated funds to construct two BMW-i toilets at Jalan Alor and Jalan Petaling, while Putrajaya Corporation will upgrade facilities at Dataran Masjid Putrajaya and Anjung Flora.

"Through this initiative, Malaysians will have the opportunity to experience high-tech public toilets starting next year," he said.

Nga underscored the importance of clean facilities in boosting Malaysia's image ahead of Visit Malaysia Year 2026, calling Totya a key driver of quality improvements.

This year, the awards saw a remarkable 82 per cent increase in participation, with 625 entries across seven categories, including hotels, shopping malls, and R&R areas.

Winners will receive RM20,000, a trophy, and a certificate.

"Private entities have invested up to RM1 million to upgrade their facilities, reflecting their commitment to this initiative," said Nga.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/11/1134537/kl-putrajaya-get-high-tech-bmw-toilets