From Sept 1, Shenzhen residents can use toilets in government organizations and institutions for free. But an article in the gazette of the Shenzhen government in Guangdong province that says anyone who soils a toilet would be fined 100 yuan ($16.34) has sparked a public debate, according to Southern Metropolis Daily. Excerpts:

Finding a public toilet in Chinese cities is a problem. The Shenzhen government's decision to open toilets in government offices for public use will certainly help alleviate the city residents' problem.

Public toilets should be kept clean so we should not waste time debating over the fine to be imposed on people who soil toilets. After all, the authorities have to take some steps to regulate people's behavior in public places, including public toilets.

The real purpose of the fine is to help build a better social atmosphere, not to punish people unnecessarily. There is a gap between urban development and civilized behavior, and the fine is intended to bridge that gap. If the authorities warn people in advance and prompt them to use public toilets properly, there will be no need to impose fine on them.

So instead of debating on the drawbacks of the regulation, people should try to follow normal codes of public conduct. We should remember that the regulation is aimed at maintaining order and cleanliness in public places.