This is a full version of NEA-SFA’s reply issued to the media agency; published in Lianhe Zaobao, 20 May 2025.
Cleanliness of public toilets is a shared responsibility
We thank 张烑华and 戴文雪for the letters, 公厕卫生人人有责 and 须“软硬兼施”提升公厕卫生, and suggestions to improve the cleanliness of public toilets.
Public toilets that are well-designed and well-maintained are clean toilets, which all users can enjoy. Some premises owners have stepped up by adopting thoughtful hygienic toilet practices and infrastructure. Some examples of good design elements and technologies include the use of ceramic tiles with a large surface for easier cleaning and vortex flushing systems to prevent the build-up of dirt or stains. Others include ammonia sensors and feedback panels to alert cleaners to the cleanliness levels of toilets, prompting them to adjust their cleaning schedule and rectify issues where necessary. Outstanding toilets have received 5-stars under the Restroom Association (Singapore)’s ‘Happy Toilet Programme’. The National Environment Agency (NEA) is also working closely with local toilet cleaning robot innovators to support their development and deployment.
Beyond hardware enhancements and better cleaning regime, on-ground initiatives to raise awareness, drive action and promote advocacy for cleaner public toilets remain important too. For example, the Public Hygiene Council had initiated the Neighbourhood Toilets Community Group programme, which forges partnerships between coffeeshops and public transport operators with the local community, to promote joint responsibility in keeping public toilets clean. The annual Cleaner Public Toilets campaign also promotes good personal habits when using public toilets.
In addition, legislation and enforcement remain critical to ensure requirements for public toilet cleanliness are met. NEA and the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) will continue to enforce against errant operators that fall short of these requirements. In 2024, about 1,300 enforcement actions against premises owners/managers were taken. SFA also suspended 11 coffeeshops for toilet-related offences under the Points Demerit System.
While we continue to work with premises owners to improve public toilet infrastructure and maintenance, we encourage everyone to do their part by keeping toilet seat clean after use, flushing fully, keeping the floor dry, and throwing rubbish into bins. Everyone is also encouraged to report dirty toilets and faulty toilet amenities to the premises operators for timely rectification.
Ultimately, collective action is needed to improve public toilet cleanliness, from good public toilet design to adequate cleaning and maintenance, and responsible use.
Tony Teo
Group Director, Environmental Public Health Operations
National Environment Agency
张明顺
司长, 环境卫生行动司
国家环境局
Siti Suriani Abdul Majid
Senior Director, Joint Operations Division
Singapore Food Agency
高级署长, 联合行动署
新加坡食品局