It has never ceased to amuse me how outsiders perceive Malaysia as 'a nation with first world facilities, but third world mentalities'. Indeed, the statement could not be further from the truth. Take for instance, Malaysian toilets. Just the mere mention of those words gives me goosebumps all over. And although I had initially planned on including some pictures of public Malaysian toilets as testimony of its abhorrent, unhygienic and dehumanizing conditions, I strongly decided against it when I saw this. Yes. I nearly regurgitated the dinner I had minutes ago. My poor stomach.
It is noteworthy that one of the most important objectives in the coming year for the Malaysian government is Visit Malaysia 2007: promoting Malaysia to the world as an ideal tourist destination. However, given the status quo of toilet conditions, it makes me wonder how they are going to attract 20 million tourists to Malaysia?
The recent decision by the government to purchase 23 self-cleaning, high-tech toilets was completely uncalled-for. To make matters worst, they paid no heed and proceeded with the proposal, even though the nation disagreed with the purchase that is costing taxpayers' a staggering RM10 million - a decision I strongly reproach.
To put it simply: each and every Malaysian owns a stake of Malaysia regardless of their age, sex, religion and social class. The government receives majority of its funding through taxes contributed by us, the taxpayers'. Subsequently, it makes perfect sense to state that, while the PM runs the country (with the salary that we provide for him), the citizens are entitled to choose what and how public funds are to be spent. The incident mentioned above connotes two things: either Malaysia is not longer democratic, or the government is simply a horrible tyrant.
Furthermore, a RM1 per entry charge is imposed, defeating the purpose of a public good, which is defined as a good that is both non excludable and non rival, but more importantly, non-profit making. The consequence is an additional burden on the citizens. Public toilets, by default, are indirectly paid for by taxpayers', so why are having to pay for it again? It should be FREE for all.
There is no denying that the government is making an effort to curb the 'national loo crisis', but the effectiveness of their strategies are highly questionable. For instance, how does spending RM10 million on 23 toilets, located only in Kuala Lumpur, change the overall Malaysian mentality? Is it justifiable? Any lay person would tell you that its effectiveness is bleak. What seems to be in place is merely a temporary solution catering for the tourism industry. What happens when Visit Malaysia 2007 ends? Realistically, which do you think will occur: a reform or the status quo ante? My guess is the latter. And as much as I cringe to say this, we Malaysians are plagued with the 'mudah lupa' syndrome.
The government clearly is not tackling the root of the problem. They fail to understand the concept that, so long as the Malaysian mentality prevails, ANY six-star toilet that is offered will inevitably be abused inside-out. That is how things are, and how things will be, if the government continues to procrastinate foolproof and justifiable strategies.
In my humble opinion, the Rm10 million should be spent on producing stronger campaigns and advertisements to instill civic-mindedness into the ignoramuses of society; as positive habits are easier formed when young, a reassessment or introduction of subjects at school focusing on hygiene and responsibility is fundamental; revamp the nation's toilets and outsource these projects to local companies as this would prevent an outflow of cash (those 23 toilets were produced abroad) while simultaneously, create jobs and income amongst Malaysians, reducing the unemployment rate.
The aforementioned are intended to improve the standards of living and general well being of the nation in the long run. On hindsight, I believe that everything above added up wouldn't even cost Rm10 million and its preventative measures is the least more proactive and realistic than the reactionary approach by the government. They need to grasp the nettle before such negative qualities are entrenched deeply in us, deforming our culture and damaging our reputation as a Vision 2020 nation - or have we already forgotten about that?
It is noteworthy that one of the most important objectives in the coming year for the Malaysian government is Visit Malaysia 2007: promoting Malaysia to the world as an ideal tourist destination. However, given the status quo of toilet conditions, it makes me wonder how they are going to attract 20 million tourists to Malaysia?
The recent decision by the government to purchase 23 self-cleaning, high-tech toilets was completely uncalled-for. To make matters worst, they paid no heed and proceeded with the proposal, even though the nation disagreed with the purchase that is costing taxpayers' a staggering RM10 million - a decision I strongly reproach.
To put it simply: each and every Malaysian owns a stake of Malaysia regardless of their age, sex, religion and social class. The government receives majority of its funding through taxes contributed by us, the taxpayers'. Subsequently, it makes perfect sense to state that, while the PM runs the country (with the salary that we provide for him), the citizens are entitled to choose what and how public funds are to be spent. The incident mentioned above connotes two things: either Malaysia is not longer democratic, or the government is simply a horrible tyrant.
Furthermore, a RM1 per entry charge is imposed, defeating the purpose of a public good, which is defined as a good that is both non excludable and non rival, but more importantly, non-profit making. The consequence is an additional burden on the citizens. Public toilets, by default, are indirectly paid for by taxpayers', so why are having to pay for it again? It should be FREE for all.
There is no denying that the government is making an effort to curb the 'national loo crisis', but the effectiveness of their strategies are highly questionable. For instance, how does spending RM10 million on 23 toilets, located only in Kuala Lumpur, change the overall Malaysian mentality? Is it justifiable? Any lay person would tell you that its effectiveness is bleak. What seems to be in place is merely a temporary solution catering for the tourism industry. What happens when Visit Malaysia 2007 ends? Realistically, which do you think will occur: a reform or the status quo ante? My guess is the latter. And as much as I cringe to say this, we Malaysians are plagued with the 'mudah lupa' syndrome.
The government clearly is not tackling the root of the problem. They fail to understand the concept that, so long as the Malaysian mentality prevails, ANY six-star toilet that is offered will inevitably be abused inside-out. That is how things are, and how things will be, if the government continues to procrastinate foolproof and justifiable strategies.
In my humble opinion, the Rm10 million should be spent on producing stronger campaigns and advertisements to instill civic-mindedness into the ignoramuses of society; as positive habits are easier formed when young, a reassessment or introduction of subjects at school focusing on hygiene and responsibility is fundamental; revamp the nation's toilets and outsource these projects to local companies as this would prevent an outflow of cash (those 23 toilets were produced abroad) while simultaneously, create jobs and income amongst Malaysians, reducing the unemployment rate.
The aforementioned are intended to improve the standards of living and general well being of the nation in the long run. On hindsight, I believe that everything above added up wouldn't even cost Rm10 million and its preventative measures is the least more proactive and realistic than the reactionary approach by the government. They need to grasp the nettle before such negative qualities are entrenched deeply in us, deforming our culture and damaging our reputation as a Vision 2020 nation - or have we already forgotten about that?
