Stricter penalties put in place for lapses in toilet cleanliness

We thank Mr Tay Chee Meng for his letter “Enforce cleanliness in coffee shop toilets” (Jan 10).

Public toilets that are well-designed, well-maintained, and responsibly used are clean toilets which all users can enjoy. The National Environment Agency (NEA) has made efforts to support the enhancement of public toilet infrastructure to make maintenance easier.

The cooperation of premise owners is required to ensure public toilet cleanliness. Premise owners, including coffee shop operators, must also step up and co-own efforts by ensuring the provision of amenities, regular maintenance of sanitary fittings and upkeep of public toilet cleanliness standards. Where lapses are detected, NEA and the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) have been taking premise owners or operators of public toilets to task.

Since April 2020, NEA and SFA have put in place stricter penalties. Under the Environmental Public Health Act, the maximum fines on first conviction are between $1,000 and $5,000 for lapses in toilet cleanliness. The retail food business licence would also incur demerit points which may result in subsequent suspension.

From Jan 1, 2024, to Nov 15, 2024, about 900 enforcement actions were taken against coffee shop owners for offences such as failing to keep their toilets clean, failing to maintain sanitary fittings in good working condition, and failing to provide hand soap or toilet paper. SFA also suspended 10 coffee shops for toilet-related lapses under the points demerit system.

Some coffee shops have, however, set a good example by obtaining certification under the Restroom Association (Singapore)’s Happy Toilet Programme for their toilets.

On-ground engagement initiatives to raise awareness, drive action, and promote advocacy for cleaner public toilets remain important too. For example, the Public Hygiene Council has initiated the Neighbourhood Toilets Community Group programme, which forges partnerships between coffee shop operators and SBS Transit with the local community, to jointly care for public toilets.

Operators will step up their cleaning regime, while community volunteers will monitor cleanliness of the toilets, report findings to operators, and remind users to keep toilets clean.

All users must also exercise personal responsibility by keeping public toilet seats clean after use, flushing fully, keeping the floor dry, and throwing litter in the bins properly.

Ultimately, collective action is needed to improve public toilet cleanliness, from good public toilet design to adequate cleaning and maintenance, and responsible use.

Siti Suriani Abdul Majid
Senior Director, Joint Operations Division
Singapore Food Agency