A failure to flush public toilets in Johor will mean a RM1,000 fine under a drive for cleaner toilets, a report said today.

The new ruling also provides for a maximum RM1,000 fine for those who do not turn off taps, draw graffiti, damage facilities or act "indecently" in public toilets, councillor Jimmy Low Boon Hong was quoted as saying by the New Straits Times.

The by-law, which imposes a similar fine on shop and restaurant owners with dirty toilets, has been approved by the state council and is awaiting endorsement from all 16 local authorities, he said.

"The instruction to the local authorities is clear. They have to be serious in enforcing this by-law and make no exception against any offender," he said.

National drive

The state government has also instructed local authorities to upgrade public toilets by fitting "push button" flush systems, he added.

Johor is the first state to introduce such tough legislation following last month's launch of a national drive to clean up public toilets.

Malaysia's campaign mirrors that of neighbouring squeaky clean Singapore, which launched its Clean Toilet Campaign five years ago. - AFP