Clean Toilets as a Licensing Requirement? Yes Please!

Hey, fellow Bruneians! If you’ve ever stepped into a hawker centre, mamak stall, or fancy café only to be hit with that unpleasant surprise in the back—yeah, the one that makes you question your life choices—you know exactly what I’m talking about. Clean food? Absolutely essential. But clean toilets? That’s the unsung hero of a great dining experience. And guess what? Our neighbours in Malaysia are about to level up their game in a big way, and it’s high time Brunei follows suit. ASAP.

I came across this eye-opening piece from Sinar Daily, and it hit me like a splash of cold water (the good kind, hopefully). Titled “Food premises with dirty toilets will not have licences renewed from 2026,” it’s a bold announcement from Malaysia’s Housing and Local Government Minister, Nga Kor Ming. Starting January 1, 2026, any restaurant, F&B outlet, or café in 20 major city areas whose loos don’t meet the “BMW” standard—Bersih (Clean), Menawan (Attractive), and Wangi (Pleasant-Smelling)—will kiss their business licenses goodbye. No ifs, no buts.

We deserve this too! Brunei’s clean mosques and kampong vibes shouldn’t clash with grimy eatery bathrooms. Let’s push for instant BMW checks on licences—tag the Ministry of Health or Municipal Boards, use BruHealth to report messes, and back clean spots. Tourism and health win big. Comment your worst loo tales—let’s spark change today!