THE Brunei Tourism Board is releasing star rating plaques for public toilets following spot checks carried out in public toilets in the capital.

A meeting was held yesterday afternoon at the Tourism Development Department to deliberate the results of the spot checks where 44 public toilets were inspected over this month.

None of the public toilets in the Sultanate had been rated with a five-star cleanliness and safety, the spot check found.

With the rating plaques, CEO of the Brunei Tourism Board Sheikh Jamaluddin Sheikh Mohamed hopes to encourage property owners in keeping the public toilets clean, while putting those who disregard cleanliness of the toilets "to shame".

"We have too many complaints by people about the public toilets in Brunei being filthy. It's wet, it's dirty, no place to put your bags, no toilet paper and all," he said. "We decided to do this so hopefully it will put the owners to shame, those who disregard the cleanliness of the toilets."

The public restrooms were assessed based on their cleanliness, safety, amenities and facilities, and design, in line with the ASEAN Public Restroom Tourism standards. They were rated out of a total score of 100.

Of the 44, eight public toilets were awarded four stars: the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Complex, Yayasan 2, Brunei Malay Technology Museum, Brunei Museum, Times Square Shopping Centre, The Airport Mall, Citis Square and The Mall.

Three-star ratings were given to the public toilets at Tasek Lama Recreational Park, Kiulap Plaza, Jaya Hypermart, Royal Regalia and Q-lap Mall.

Meanwhile, the public toilets at Jalan Residency and Hua Ho Yayasan were given only two stars, and one-star ratings were given to the multi-storey marking in the capital, the Waterfront, Pasar Gadong and the Jalan Bendahara public toilets.

Tamu Kianggeh, Tamu Selera and Hua Ho Kiulap public toilets were not given any ratings, for obtaining less than 50 points on the evaluation.

In a press release, the Brunei Tourism Board said that the inspection was carried out in order to ensure public toilets are well-maintained and kept clean for local residents and visiting tourists.

Sheikh Jamaluddin emphasised the importance of having clean toilets for public users, saying they reflected the image of Brunei to tourists.

"Image of the country (can be) spoiled by dirty toilets. People come to Brunei thinking Brunei is a rich country and suddenly, they come here and find that the public toilets here so filthy."

The inspection on public restrooms was conducted with support from the Bandar Seri Begawan Municipal Board and other government agencies. Following the meeting, the committee had also decided to carry on the inspection to other districts. The dates of the inspection, however, were not announced.The Brunei Times