BANGI, Oct 9 — Effective January 1 next year, operators of food premises in areas under 20 city councils will not be allowed to renew their business licences if they fail to ensure their toilets meet the “bersih (clean), menawan (attractive) and wangi (pleasant-smelling)”, or BMW, criteria, said Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming.
He said the strict action was taken as premises owners had been given ample time to understand the new policy introduced by the government.
“All toilets in 20 city areas, including those in restaurants, food and beverage (F&B) outlets and cafes, will not have their business licences renewed if they fail to meet the BMW level.
“I issued the notice three years ago, in 2023, so we have given all operators three years (to comply). If they wish to renew their business licences, toilet cleanliness will be made compulsory,” he told a media conference after the World Environment Day 2025 celebration here today.
Meanwhile, Nga said that “from January 1, 2026, individuals found littering will not only face a compound of up to RM2,000 under the magistrate’s court jurisdiction but may also be ordered to perform 12 hours of community service if convicted”.
“The scope of the community service includes sweeping streets, cleaning drains and helping to clean public toilets,” he added.
The Cabinet in 2023 decided that F&B premises such as restaurants, hotels and stalls in these cities would not have their business licences renewed if their toilets are dirty.
Nga had earlier said the Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing (Amendment) Bill 2025, passed by the Dewan Rakyat, empowers the court to issue community service orders for littering offences in public areas.
In the meantime, Nga said that to date, 12,000 public toilets nationwide have been upgraded, including those in schools, markets, public parks, and food courts.
“The food courts are showing progress, but there is still room for improvement. The Madani government is committed to continuously enhancing basic facilities and infrastructure,” he said, adding that the new ruling is part of the government’s efforts to enhance the level of cleanliness and the country’s image ahead of Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
“I would also like to urge all Malaysians to be courteous when tourists ask for directions or the location of a good place to eat. This is the mission of all Malaysians,” Nga urged.
