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Dirty loos: E-hailing drivers have a tough time catching a (toilet) break

Taranjiv Singh is a law degree holder who once served in Malaysia’s biggest broadcasting company.

While exploring his farming venture, the 40-year-old started driving for an e-hailing company some six months ago.

Taranjiv shares his tales with Twentytwo13. This week, he talks about the state of public toilets and how difficult it is for him and his peers to relieve themselves.

“Toilets are a big problem for those working in the e-hailing industry. For starters, there aren’t many public toilets available. Secondly, they are often dirty.

Many routes in the Klang Valley don’t have public toilets. Most of the time, many rely on toilets in eateries or petrol stations to relieve themselves. Some eateries are accommodating to e-hailing drivers and riders. Others, not so much.

The same can be seen at petrol stations. Some toilets are clean but the majority of them are smelly, wet, and dirty.

I drink two litres of water daily. But I do know of many who avoid drinking water to limit the number of toilet breaks. It’s sad really, as this will surely impact their health in the long run.

I also know of some who are forced to relieve themselves behind bushes. It’s not something that they would normally do, especially in this day and age where everyone is eager to point their phones at others to capture a picture or record a video.

I also feel sorry for female drivers and riders.

My dad drove a taxi decades ago and he used to complain about the same thing. Sadly, nothing has changed.

It would really be good if more public toilets are constructed along major routes in the Klang Valley. If that is too costly, then perhaps the local councils can set up mobile toilets.

I wouldn’t mind paying a small fee to use a clean and dry toilet. And I know I’m not alone.

Those using toilets too, need to adopt good toilet etiquette. Spare a thought for the other user and don’t simply throw things into the toilet bowl.

If you wash up, well and good, but limit it to your buttocks and do not spray water everywhere in the cubicle. If you insist on making the whole area wet, you might as well clean the toilet while you are at it.

The next time you visit a public toilet, just remember those who actually rely on them heavily – e-hailing drivers and riders, hawkers, street vendors, and even enforcement personnel who make their rounds on the ground.

We can all do with cleaner toilets.”