Late-night toilet emergency leads woman to police station

SHAH ALAM – When faced with a closed petrol station toilet in the middle of the night, one woman took an unconventional, yet bold, step: she went to a nearby police station for relief.

The incident, which occurred around 1.30am in January, was recounted by 26-year-old Nur Syaza Aufa Sabri.

She and two friends were heading home after a badminton session and a meal when Syaza needed a restroom.

Syaza, originally from Kedah, asked her friend to pull over at a petrol station.

However, upon arrival, they found the toilet locked, with the cashier confirming it had been closed since 10pm.

“It was a one-way street and we couldn’t turn back. My friend suggested going to the police station just across the road, so I said, ‘Let’s just do it—police station or not, I need to go.

"I know it’s not something people would usually consider as most would look for a mosque or a restaurant. However, I was desperate and had no other option," she told Sinar on Wednesday.

Once they arrived at the Petaling Police Station compound, Syaza gathered her courage to ask permission to use the facilities.

“I approached the officer at the post and asked if I could use the toilet. Luckily, they were really kind and even joked with me saying, ‘Don’t forget to pay 20 sen.

"I have to admit, I felt very safe using the toilet at the police station. Not only was it secure, but the toilet was also clean!," she added.

Syaza shared that her friend recorded the incident, uploading it to TikTok on May 4.

The video quickly gained traction, attracting many users who found it humorous and out of the ordinary.

The experience also heightened Syaza's awareness of safety, especially when using public toilets at night.

“These days, it’s dangerous for women to use public toilets. So many cases of hidden cameras, people with bad intentions... even men aren’t safe anymore.

"Late at night like that, you never know who’s going to be in the toilet with you—good or bad. Yes, I’m talking about using public toilets in the middle of the night, when things could go wrong. So, in my opinion, going to a police station is a very smart and safe choice," she added.

Syaza stated that the lack of access to clean and safe public toilets at night is a significant issue deserving more attention.

“I understand not everyone is out late at night, but there are also many who work shifts, play sports, or just finished running a business and need to use the toilet.

“Yet many petrol stations close their toilets after 10pm. If the available public toilets are poorly lit, unsupervised and unsafe, it becomes a real problem," she said.

Syaza clarified that she did not intend to encourage people to go to police stations just for toilet use but views it as a safer alternative in urgent situations.

“If the place looks deserted or the people around seem suspicious, it’s better to head to a police station. I mean, I don't think the police would be upset if we ask for help,” she added.

She hopes public toilets will be kept open later at night and properly maintained to help those active during those hours.