Malaysians and tourists alike are all too familiar with the struggle of dirty, smelly, or wet public toilet stalls. Now, the Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) is undergoing a major renovation that has sparked both awe and disbelief online.
According to Daily Express Malaysia, a total of 26 toilet sets at KKIA are being refurbished in two phases at a cost of RM11.8 million. The upgrades cover male, female, and disabled facilities, with 20 sets already completed. The remaining facilities are expected to be finished by April or May 2026.
Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, Assistant Minister to the Sabah Chief Minister, inspected the ongoing works after receiving complaints about the cleanliness and state of the airport toilets. KKIA Senior Airport Manager Jefry Ramli confirmed the progress and emphasized the project’s goal of improving hygiene for travelers.
However, the hefty price tag left netizens stunned, jokingly questioning if the toilets were being “gold-plated.” Others suggested the possibility of corruption, urging the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to investigate the project.
