{
  "id": 15832616,
  "title": "More than 1,500 public toilets upgraded under Housing Ministry initiative",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/21/more-than-1-500-public-toilets-upgraded-under-housing-ministry",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-21T01:29:52.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/10/21/more-than-1500-public-toilets-upgraded-under-housing-ministry-initiative/239948"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Housing and Local Government Ministry (KPKT) has allocated RM154 million from 2023 to 2025 to local authorities for upgrading public toilet facilities nationwide. So far, 1,529 public toilets have been upgraded under this initiative. Minister Nga Kor Ming announced that KPKT will continue this effort with a special RM30 million annual allocation from 2026 to 2030, bringing the total allocation to RM150 million for the next five years.\n\nIn addition to upgrading public toilets, the Ministry cooperated with the Education Ministry, resulting in the upgrading of 11,835 school toilets nationwide, described as the largest achievement of its kind in history. The importance of providing clean, attractive, and fragrant public toilets was emphasized, as it contributes to improving the quality of life and reflecting Malaysia's level of civilisation.\n\nThe Malaysia Best Toilet Awards 2026 showcased the results of these efforts, with winners including Masjid Nurussalam, Shah Alam City Council, Iconic Marjorie Penang Hotel, and Mamakim Wellness Kitchen Sdn Bhd. The awards, now in its fourth edition, feature categories such as schools, places of worship, shopping centres, hotels, restaurants, local authorities, and rest and recreation areas. The winners received RM20,000 in cash, a trophy, and a certificate of recognition.\n\nLooking ahead, KPKT plans to introduce a new category for the Best Toilet at institutions of higher learning, universities, and colleges to further encourage educational institutions to prioritize toilet cleanliness and maintenance.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 21 — The Housing and Local Government Ministry (KPKT) allocated RM154 million to local aut...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}