A PUBLIC toilet in Air Itam has earned the Best-Rated Toilet recognition, thanks to the dedication of Penang Island City Council (MBPP) worker Sohaimi Ahmad.
Sohaimi, who has served with MBPP for several years, said the recognition reflects the effort he puts in every day.
“I do this job sincerely. People expect a clean toilet, so I must make sure they feel comfortable,” he told Buletin Mutiara in a text message.
Despite having mutism, Sohaimi remains committed to upholding the high standards required for the rating, following a strict daily schedule.
He carries out major cleaning three times a day and minor cleaning four times a day, regardless of how busy the facility becomes.
“Sometimes, before I finish one round of cleaning, it becomes dirty again. But that is my responsibility,” he said.
Apart from maintaining cleanliness inside the toilet, he also tends to the decorative plants and landscaping around the facility to ensure the surroundings remain neat and pleasant.
“People focus on the toilet, but the outside matters too. When the area looks nice, people respect it more,” he added.
Once a week, he leads a task force for a deep-cleaning session to scrub areas that require extra attention. His routine also includes sweeping, collecting rubbish and keeping the public area around the toilet tidy.
Sohaimi also handles minor repairs to ensure all amenities function properly. Any major issues are immediately reported to his superior, who will issue a memo for urgent action.
“If something breaks, I don’t wait. I report it so it can be fixed quickly. We don’t want users to be inconvenienced.
“Small repairs happen all the time, but I still do them because I don’t want users complaining,” he said.
Littering and vandalism also remain persistent problems, with rubbish often left scattered throughout the area.
The job comes with daily challenges, particularly due to the high volume of users, which causes the toilet to become dirty again within a short time.
“Sometimes, less than an hour after cleaning, it’s already dirty again,” he said.
Married and a father of four sons, Sohaimi said the recognition motivates him to continue giving his best to the public.
“This is not just about an award. It is about trust. I am proud to take care of this place and serve the community.
“I hope my recognition will encourage users to appreciate and take better care of public facilities,” he said.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Law Suun Ting