When a 20‑cent Fee Becomes a Toilet’s Gold Mine
Meet Kumar, the Self‑Made Bathroom Boss
Ever found yourself sneaking into a public toilet for a dash of convenience? Or maybe you’ve been moaning about the entrance fee that’s been nagging at you? Guess what—your nagging might turn into an opportunity to support a real person on the other side of that cash register.
Kumar, who takes stewardship of the restroom at Pek Kio Market & Food Centre, has turned those 20‑cent pings into a steady paycheck.
Inside a Day in the Life of a Toilet Caretaker
- Morning: Mixes up cleaning solutions without a single splash of corporate sponsorship.
- Midday: Greets the queue, collects the 20‑cent “entrance fee” that feeds his tiny empire.
- Afternoon: Wipes, mops, and wrestles with stubborn stains—all while dreaming of that next wage.
- Evening: Counts the coins, restores the facility, and gets ready for another sunrise.
When Amrit Kaur Jastol asked him if his salary truly hinged on those coins, Kumar didn’t pull any funny hats—he simply said, “Yes, that’s my salary.” He even added: “I buy tissues and chemicals out of my own pocket.” The balance harms both sides, because he works 12‑14 hours a day and takes a break only once every three months when the hawker centre is shut.
Things the 20‑Cent Giver Might Notice
While the fee may feel like a minor inconvenience, it can be a lifeline. Beyond cleaning supplies, Kumar’s earnings help him afford everyday essentials and keep his washing routine running.
Outrage, Support, and the Controversial Debate
On June 15, the local digital publisher Our Grandfather Story (OGS) posted Kumar’s story on Facebook, and the comments exploded with concern. People wondered: Is this a case of exploitation? Or is it an example of someone turning a small necessity into a decent, honest living?
What You Can Do
- Next time you spot that cashier at the restroom door, think of Kumar’s hardworking day.
- Pay the 20 cents, and you’re not just paying for a wash‑room—to help him keep that tank running.
- Drop a supportive comment or share the story. Your voice matters in the debate about fair wages.
- If you’re curious, check out more about the day‑to‑day life of public restroom caretakers via local community sites.
So next time you’re buzzing in, you might as well pay a few coins to bump up someone’s real‑world earnings. A tiny act can be a big boost—especially when it comes to keeping the world, or at least a market, clean one toilet at a time.
Spotlight on Kumar: The Toilet-Glorious Hero
A Tiny Corner of Praise on Facebook
In a rush of cheerful comments, a bunch of Facebook users jumped on the bandwagon to applaud Kumar for keeping the loo in tip‑top condition. One “fan” wrote:
“Been there, the toilet is super duper clean. No joke. Stainless, dry and no foul smell,” — and the crowd totally loved it.
What the Fans Loved
- Stainless‑shine that’s practically a spotlight.
- Dry, odor‑free vibes that feel like a breath of fresh air.
- Cleanliness so crisp it practically echoes a sigh of relief.
So if you ever find yourself in need of a spotless “wash and wow” experience, look no further than Kumar’s world‑class toilet regimen.
OMG, the Toilet Saga Gets Real!
Remember that buzz from last week about a “toilet keeper” named Kumar? The chatter was all over the internet, and then OGS (the official posting group) stepped into the ring with a quick Facebook update on June 16 to sort out the confusion.
What OGS Actually Said
Tweaking the original message a bit, the agency noted that only Mr Kumar’s story was shared. The post stressed that this glimpse of his experience isn’t a universal truth for every bathroom caretaker. “We can’t confirm that all toilet caretakers don’t earn a monthly paycheck,” wrote OGS, adding that the entrance fee usually makes up a chunk of their earnings.
In the same breath, Kumar was praised for the public’s kindness, but he also emphasised that he signed on willingly—he knew exactly what he was getting into. OGS was clear that the man felt pretty stressed after the June 15 post hit the web.
It was added that he’s been working with the same contractor his entire 10‑year career, that he loves the job for the steady paycheck and the sense of community. The agency was quick to say they’re supporting him 1 and that a conversation is underway among all the relevant parties. 
Salary Numbers—2020+ Breakdown
To bring you a clearer picture: a 2019 Seedly article gave a neat snapshot of a caretaker’s pay. The base monthly wage sits between $400 and $1,300. After taking out the water bill and soap charges, the net salary climbs to somewhere around $690 to $1,590 every month. So you see, the entrance fee is just a fraction of the complete earnings—no mystery there.
- Base salary: $400 – $1,300/month
- Net salary (after expenses): $690 – $1,590/month
How Singapore Keeps the Restrooms Clean
The National Environment Agency (NEA) is downright serious about bathroom hygiene—because a clean toilet is a healthy toilet. With their support, the Restroom Association of Singapore (RAS) launched the Happy Toilet Programme back in July 2003.
Under this scheme, public toilets earn star ratings: three stars meaning “good enough,” four stars for “just better,” and five stars for those that go above and beyond. Hawker centres, coffee shops, and other food venues are invited to sign up, turning every public restroom into a shining beacon of cleanliness.
So What?
While sorting out details, OGS is planning to muted comments for now—to keep Mr Kumar’s mental health in check. The organization is juggling the conversation with all parties and hopes for a smooth resolution.
Bottom line: the “toilet caretaker” debate is more about media ambiguity and less about the work itself. The job’s pay structure is known, and the government is keeping everything tidy—quite literally—and the conversation is ongoing.
Stay tuned; we’ll keep flushing out the latest updates here!
1 Note: We’re referring to the “OGS” public statements and not any official policy notice.
