What is culture on luxurious toilets?

DAP National Deputy Chairman and MP for Kepong Dr Tan Seng Giaw calls on the Government to announce the amount it spends on the campaign for clean toilets in the country.

Dr Tan met Encik Hasan Hj Hamzah, Director, Architect and Special Projects Department, City Hall, Kuala Lumpur (CHKL) on 14 November, 2005. Dr Tan had gone to the Park Department on 9 and 10 November, 2005 following public complaints on the luxurious toilet, the lake drying up, the multi-purpose sport centre uncompleted and and the unsatisfactory maintenance at the Menjalara Lake Garden, Kepong. He was referred to Hasan who was on holiday until today.

Dr Tan has asked the Prime Minister to look into the system of public holidays and the schedule required to keep all government departtments functioning during holiday seasons. On 9 and 10 November, 2005,--6 and 7 days after Hari Raya-- most departments were relatively empty. Today, Hasan has returned, but there are still members of staff who are not back.

CHKL has chosen a suitable site for a park and a sports centre. Residents from surrounding areas flock to the park every morning and evening. But, after spending many millions on the park and the sports centre, the lake in the park is drying up, the toilet is looking anything but luxurious and the sports centre remains uncompleted after more than five years.

Hasan will be providing details on the above-mentioned matters next week. His concept about luxurious toilets is seen in other countries such as China, Japan and Korea that spend millions to make their toilets comfortable. Koreans are said to hold meetings at their toilets. The Chinese are upgrading their toilets in a big way for the 2008 Olympics.

The local authority has spent over RM400,000 for the toilet at the park. This includes beautifying the surrounding area to create a good atmosphere. But, many perceive that the toilet is not worth RM400,000. The concept of making people take care of toilets and keep hygiene and cleanliness should be encouraged all over the country including villages. CHKL should correct the perception in the Menjalara Lake Garden.

Meanwhile, the Government has talked so much about looking after our toilets. It has spent millions. The public should cooperate. We hope that the Government announce the amount it has spent on the sustained campaign.