Singapore has been a first world nation since the end of the 20th century, yet the common sight of public toilets being left soiled, unflushed, and littered with tissues sheds light on the disappointing public toilet standards. MIKYAL NADIA and DANIELLE PEK find out more.
"Model" public toilet near a coffee shop in Bukit Panjang to encourage public toilet cleanliness standards. Photo courtesy of Yong Jun Yuan TODAY article.
Despite Singapore’s reputation as a clean and advanced nation, the upkeep of public toilets in coffee shops and wet markets display a clear distinction. Inadequate toilet cleanliness is still a problem that continues to plague the nation.
A survey conducted by Flora Magazine in 2023 which polled one hundred twenty-eight local respondents aged 16 to 65, reveals that a staggering 81.3 per cent of respondents are bothered by Singapore's current toilet standards in coffee shops and wet markets.
Mr Mohammad Yousep, 78, a shopkeeper who uses public toilets says in Malay, “The cleanliness in coffee shops and wet market toilets [between different neighbourhoods] definitely show a big difference that cannot be ignored.”
A survey by Flora Magazine showed that 81.3 per cent of respondents are bothered by Singapore's current toilet standards in coffee shops and wet markets
With the varying state of public toilet cleanliness in Singapore, he alludes to the fact that coffee shop and wet market toilets have yet to improve as a whole.
This coincides with the findings of Flora Magazine’s 2023 survey which shows that two in five Singaporeans believe there are more dirty coffee shop and wet market toilets than clean ones in Singapore.
Ironically, the survey also reveals that 28.2 per cent of them believe that they do not have to clean up after themselves after using public toilets as there will be cleaners to do it, giving an insight regarding how Singapore’s public toilets have landed in its current state.
Mr Koh Wee Hong, a patron who frequents a coffee shop at Bishan says, “Everyone likes to complain about the (cleanliness of these) toilets but they are the same ones who make a big mess and don’t flush the toilets after using it.”
When entering Geylang Serai wet market toilets, one will be greeted by a terrible stench, stained toilet bowls, and heaps of filth including used cigarette butts and tissues.
A public cleanliness satisfaction survey done in 2021 by Singapore Management University (SMU) reports wet markets to have the dirtiest public toilets, where 27 per cent of respondents said it is not sufficiently cleaned.
Mrs Zalayha Sarib, 65, a cleaner at the Geylang wet market says in Malay, “It’s so hard to keep toilets clean. People just don’t care to [clean up after themselves]. They care so much about using dirty toilets but don’t care at all about the state they leave the toilets. It’s a horrible sight.”
“Everyone likes to complain about the (cleanliness of these) toilets but they are the same ones who make a big mess and don’t flush the toilets after using it.”
She insinuates that people care just enough about public toilet cleanliness to avoid using them, but not enough to clean up after themselves.
Being named one of the most developed Asian cities in the world, Tokyo, just like Singapore, is ranked among the top 30 cleanest cities in the world. However, Singapore’s toilet cleanliness visibly pales in comparison to Tokyo.
Mr Roslan Mohammed, 47, who often uses public toilets in coffee shops and wet markets, says in Malay, “Compared to 25, 30 years ago Singapore’s coffee shop and wet market toilets have definitely improved. But the improvement is not enough. At least, not on par with our country’s progress.”
More than half, 52.3 per cent, of the respondents of Flora Magazine’s survey on toilet cleanliness believe that countries like Japan are able to maintain a high standard of public toilet cleanliness because they implement a national culture to keep them clean, as opposed to Singapore.
Mr Keith Tan, 24, the managing supervisor for toilets in Peninsula Plaza says, “Japanese people feel a sense of responsibility for keeping their own [country] clean. I believe they are taught from young that it’s their duty to do so.”
“But the improvement is not enough. At least, not on par with our country’s progress.”
Public Hygiene Council (PHC) chairman Edward D'Silva told The Strait Times added that the PHC is trying to implement a national culture of public cleanliness in toilets. For example, noting that there is a significant impact on whether children start good hygiene habits early.
Additionally, Mr D'Silva told BBC WorkLife that Singapore needs to change its attitude immediately, as cleaning up public areas costs Singapore at least $120 million annually, which Singapore can put into better use.
Times have changed, it is about time that Singapore’s third world toilets reflect its first world standing, and that can only happen when Singaporeans change their mindsets and actions.
Mr Tan says, “The responsibility lies with all of us, we all play a part.”
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