KUALA LUMPUR – The “new-look” school toilets, the result of the Education Ministry’s upgrade of these facilities, have had a positive impact on students, lifting their spirits and instilling them with enthusiasm after having to deal with the toilets’ miserable state for so long.
After having to deal with the bad condition of school toilets in these “neglected” schools for more than a decade, it has taken its toll on the students’ studies.
Among others, there are students at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Matang who are forced to spend more time going to toilets further away in the next block, resulting in missed learning sessions.
These students had to endure a miserable two years due to the toilet issue, but they can breathe a sigh of relief now that the toilets have been upgraded at a cost of RM70,000.
“Because the women’s toilet in Block C is damaged, students have had to walk 15 to 20 minutes to Block B or E to use the facilities, which disrupts their learning process.
“Although this appears to be a minor issue, it causes them to miss out on important information taught during the teaching and learning process,” school principal Mohd Rani Muda said.
The school and students are very appreciative of the new-look school toilets, which have a modern design consisting of black and white tiles with abstract patterns, said Rani, adding that there is a schedule in place to keep the toilets clean that includes teachers, management staff, students, and not just cleaners.
In fact, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had raised the issue of dirty school toilets, which he described as a never-ending problem. He called for school toilets to have a new image, thus bringing a positive impact on the well-being of students and this includes disciplining them to maintain cleanliness.
Previously, some school toilets were in such bad condition that some users were injured.
Faced with repeated damage due to incomplete repair work, the toilet upgrade and maintenance project at Institut Pendidikan Guru (IPG) Kampus Raja Melewar in Negri Sembilan has been greatly appreciated by all.
“While I have been teaching here for over ten years, management has done repairs, but the damage continues to occur. However, the government has announced a large allocation for toilet repair, so it can be done comprehensively,” said Islamic and Moral Education IPG Department lecturer Mohd Muhsinul Nidzam Abdullah.
The toilet upgrade at the institution also includes a comfortable ablution room, especially for the toilet in the surau section.
A total of five out of 21 toilets have been given a new lease of life that not only focuses on aesthetics but also on the quality of materials used and on comfort aspects such as focusing on the facilities required for larger-sized individuals in addition to being equipped with a shower room.
All of this is done for the well-being of students and educators, ensuring that they can learn and teach in a comfortable and, most importantly, safe environment, as well as being more enthusiastic about attending school. – January 16, 2024