Kuala lumpur: Effective January 1 next year, operators of food premises in areas under 20 local authorities with city status will face non-renewal of their business licenses if they fail to ensure their toilets meet the Bersih (Clean), Menawan (Attractive), and Wangi (Pleasant-Smelling) (BMW) standard, as announced by Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming. This move is part of a broader effort to enhance cleanliness standards across the country.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the strict action comes after premises owners were given ample time to understand and comply with the new policy introduced by the government. Nga emphasized that all toilets in these city areas, including those in restaurants, food and beverage outlets, and caf©s, must meet the BMW level to qualify for business license renewal. This policy was initially communicated in 2023, providing operators with a three-year window to comply.
Additionally, starting January 1 next year, individuals committing minor littering offenses will be subjected to a Community Service Order of up to 12 hours. This may involve tasks such as sweeping streets or cleaning drains. From January 1, 2026, those found littering will not only face fines of up to RM2,000 but may also be required to perform 12 hours of community service if convicted. The community service scope will include tasks like cleaning public areas and toilets.
The Cabinet, in 2023, decided that food and beverage premises like restaurants, hotels, and stalls in urban areas would face license renewal bans if their toilets are found dirty. The Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing (Amendment) Bill 2025, passed by the Dewan Rakyat, empowers courts to issue community service orders for littering offenses.
To date, Nga reported that 12,000 public toilets nationwide have been upgraded, including those in schools, markets, public parks, and food courts. While progress is evident, Nga acknowledged there is still room for improvement. The MADANI government remains committed to enhancing basic facilities and infrastructure.
The new ruling aligns with the government's efforts to improve cleanliness standards and the country's image ahead of Visit Malaysia Year 2026. Nga also encouraged Malaysians to maintain courtesy when interacting with tourists, particularly in providing directions or recommending dining venues, as part of a collective national mission.