Q & A with Sia Ban Ian. CEO, Bactakleen
Malaysia is one of the most popular destinations in Southeast Asia. We are known for many things, our picture-perfect sandy beaches, dazzling cityscapes, and disappointingly our deplorable toilet conditions. Sia Ban Ian, the founder, and CEO of Bactakleen believes that we need to achieve a new standard of cleanliness for public toilets moving forward. Understanding the market’s need, Ian started Bactakleen to provide reliable, trustworthy, and certified products and services that can truly protect you and your loved ones. Aiming to change the people’s perception on public spaces and hygiene, Ian envisions to one day be part of the effort in associating clean and cleanliness with Malaysia. Bactakleen is one of the few companies globally to have three certified products with a 99.95% kill rate against the Human Coronavirus and the COVID-19 disease. The brand has been successfully leading the fight against harmful viruses and healthcare-associated infections, over the years.
Natural Health had a chat with this illustrious gentleman recently and here’s what we discovered.
NH: In your opinion, how has the COVID-19 pandemic affected the Malaysian consumer market in terms of hygiene and personal care?
Mr Ian: When we launched our first product back in 2008, Malaysia’s response was unexpectedly slow, as the public were not properly educated on health issues associated with air conditioners, at that time.
The Covid-19 pandemic has definitely educated the Malaysian public to some degree. Some people who once were oblivious to hygiene and personal care, have now realised its importance. Overall it did help tremendously and it improved the overall standard of hygiene across the country. People are also now more aware that they have to avoid placing their hands on ones’ face, after touching surfaces and the need to disinfect contact surfaces.
NH: What would you say was the hygienic awareness level like before the pandemic?
Mr Ian: The public’s hygiene awareness was very poor in Malaysia. This is especially the case for public toilets where you can often smell it before you reach the toilet. This is embarrassing to say the least since foreigners who visit Malaysia will be shocked at the state of our toilets.
NH: Were Malaysians as concerned about their hygiene and personal care as they are now?
Mr Ian: In general Malaysians did not really care much about hygiene or personal care. Only a small percentage of people (especially those with young children) were very concerned.
NH: What do you think the demand for hygiene and cleaning products will be like post-pandemic?
Mr Ian: The demand post pandemic will definitely be 25-30% lower than at the peak but most Malaysians now are more aware and are taking hygiene care more seriously. They know the impact of it and the importance of practicing good hygiene.
NH: How do you aim to upgrade Malaysia’s cleanliness on public toilets and public spaces during this time of the pandemic?
Mr Ian: We cannot do it alone. It is done in collaboration with corporate customers such as hotel owners, shopping malls operators, restaurant operators, schools, etc. Being more aware of the need for better hygiene the public are now more cautious when using the toilet and public spaces. The only way to upgrade Malaysia’s cleanliness is through better education. With the pandemic the education was being done on a daily basis for the last 18 months. It is likely to continue on since the pandemic is now becoming endemic.
NH: What steps do you think Malaysians can take to combat the pandemic in their own home environment or in their neighbourhood?
Mr Ian: The best way is to follow the SOP set by the government but as an individual one should always avoid touching contact surfaces whenever possible and ensure they wash or sanitise their hands and avoid touching their face. Try to disinfect themselves upon arriving at home and disinfect parcels before opening it and wash their hands after touching any parcels.
NH: How can consumers be more aware in purchasing the right product to ensure maximum protection for themselves?
Mr Ian: Ask to see test reports for both efficacy, safety (such skin allergy tests) tests. Many sellers make claims that cannot be proven with corresponding test reports so it is best to ask to see the reports. If unsure, also check online on the ingredients used. Some ingredients are touted to be safe at a specific concentration while others need to have high concentration in order to be effective but can be toxic at high concentrations. The safety test reports are very important to avoid possible allergies or adverse reactions.
NH: How often do you think consumers have to clean their environment in order to achieve the best state of cleanliness?
Mr Ian: Ideally try to do it daily if possible but if it is not a busy premise every 2-3 days will suffice. Public places will need frequent cleaning and disinfecting such as shopping malls, restaurants and public transport.
