SMC chairman Clarence Ting
SIBU (Dec 30): The standard of toilets at some coffee shops here is still found wanting, said Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) chairman Clarence Ting.
He observed that many of the buildings’ owners refuse to repair damaged toilets, while the operators just want to run the coffee shops without wanting to worry about anything else.
“The sad truth is that in Sibu, our tenancy agreement involves this – I (owner) rent to you, and you (operator) just operate the coffee shop. If the toilets break down, that’s the owner’s place.
“So, that is why we are going to change things this time. (Issue) a warning letter, and CC (carbon-copy) it to the owner so that the owner knows.
“Some coffee shop owners just don’t want to maintain (the toilets) because they think that it’s not their job. That’s the thing, so that is why we need to change and approach it a different way,” he told reporters after chairing a full council meeting today.
Moreover, Ting also gave a strong reminder to all operators for them keep their toilets clean and in good working order, or risk facing stern action including the discontinuation of their coffee shop licence.
“The definition of a clean toilet also includes it having a proper lock. The patrons going there, especially the women, must feel safe. Additionally, the toilet pumps must be in good working condition, and the wash basins must not be broken.”
Ting expressed hope that through this new approach, toilets at the coffee shops would be maintained better so that they would stay clean and functional for public use.
“If the toilets are not clean, we won’t issue the licence until they (coffee shop operators) comply with the council’s requirements,” he said.
Meanwhile, he said there is an urgent need for Sibu to have a centralised sewerage as at present, all waste discharge goes directly into the Rajang and Igan rivers.
“Health-wise, this is not very good. I think the state government should prioritise Sibu for it to have centralised sewerage, like those that they are building in Kuching North and Kuching South. So far, there is no plan for Sibu.
“That is something that we need to do in the coming year, that we should request the state government to look into it seriously,” he said.
Adding on, Ting said with the Rajang River now being utilised for more leisure activities, it is crucial for the river to be kept clean.
Also in attendance at the full council meeting were SMC deputy chairman Mohammed Abdullah Izkandar Roseley and council secretary Yong Ing Chu.
