Toilets to inspire or fear

A common Malaysian toilet

The Malaysian government is at its wit’s end to ensure that public toilets and those of commercial establishments, particularly eating places are kept clean. Malaysians in general are embarrassingly incapable of using public toilets as they should be used. To counter negative impressions of foreign tourists, state-of-art toilets, costing RM 400,000 a piece were introduced in tourist hot-spots in Kuala Lumpur. But many KL residents were upset by the extravagance, protesting that the money could have been better spent elsewhere.

Launching of the state-of-art toilet in Kuala Lumpur recently

The interior

Air conditioning to provide comfort in tropical heat

Foreign tourists have complained of footprints on toilet seats, and wet floors. They perceive that many Malaysians have not quite got used to sitting while doing their business. However, it is more of fear of contracting infectious diseases from the seats that are used by so many people. Hence, the footprints.

Foreigners’ comments on Malaysians’ use of toilets:

• WE westerners must be a bit gross: They do squat (over a “hole in the ground), and they wash instead of using toilet paper. That’s easier if you squat. Forcing them to climb toilet seats makes life difficult for them. Hence the “water everywhere”.

• I encountered the “footprints on the seat” scenario when I was in Iraq with the US Army. Iraqis (and Malaysians, apparently) aren’t accustomed to sitting, and so squat with their feet firmly planted on the seat.

• I understand that there are different ways to use the toilet… However, when I go into the lady’s restroom and find yellow sprinkles and brown smudges on the toilet seat, I feel ill. Why should I have to clean up after others just to relieve myself?
  

Still on the subject of toilets, there are some toilets in other parts of the world that apparently evoke emotions known only to those who use them.

Toilet bowls with flower motifs to inspire love of nature

Receptacle to inspire users to sing or whistle while evacuating liquid waste

Trust the Japanese to come up with an innovative design for use in our private moments

This Japanese high tech contraption would have frightened off many a potential user

A warning, particularly to boys to aim correctly

Wouldn't want to be looking over my shoulder constantly while doing it

Those with artistic inclinations would remain here longer than usual

Promoting togetherness

Pampering the ladies

Lovers of marine life would be pleased with the bowl on the left

Those with height disability would enjoy this

But the most expensive toilet in the world? The US 19 million space latrine that will be installed in the International Space Station in 2008. It’s a pity the Malaysian cosmonaut never got to use it.

Back to earth, how about Japan's smallest sub-atomic toilet in the world? Presumably only dust mites would appreciate the convenience.

Magnified 15,000 times its original size

And how would you like to live in a toilet-shaped house in south of Seoul? Built by the founding member of the World Toilet Association, Sim Jae-duck of South Korea, to commemorate their inaugural general assembly.