LETTERS: As Malaysia's elderly population grows, accessing toilet facilities becomes paramount for their wellbeing.
Public toilets fail to address the needs of senior citizens, forcing many to limit their time and travel away from home.
There are many unhygienic public toilets, particularly in coffee shops, mamak shops and petrol stations.
It is sad that these facilities often reek of neglect, presenting challenges to seniors seeking safety, security and dignity when attending to their needs.
In many instances, separate toilets for staff and the public exist in organisations, with the former being cleaner and better maintained.
This disparity raises questions about the commitment to providing suitable facilities for all, regardless of age.
Equally crucial is the consideration for squatting toilets.
Do they have handles to help seniors navigate the squatting position and getting back up?
Many seniors lack the strength for this type of toilet, leaving them with limited options during calls of nature.
Moreover, the absence of permanent hooks for hanging pants or handbags, functional water hose pipes, and issues like clogged toilet bowls and dirty seats, compound the problem.
The responsibility for this predicament remains unclear. Does it lie with the authorities, maintenance contractors or users?
In the 2024 Budget, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the government will allocate RM150 million for the maintenance of public toilets. This is welcome news and a good start.
It is imperative that future toilet designs include senior-friendly facilities.
Architects and consultants should include one or two toilets for seniors, akin to the provision of toilets for disabled people.
A collaborative effort involving stakeholders is necessary: the authorities, the provider, maintenance contractors and users.
DR POLA SINGH
Kuala Lumpur
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times