Transvestites in Perak are asking for special public toilets because they find it embarrassing to use facilities meant for either men or women, a report said today.

An official in Perak told The Star daily that transvestites felt they had no privacy when using public toilets.

"Most transvestites try not to use public toilets unless there is an emergency," State Consumer Affairs and Unity Committee chairman G Rajoo said at the opening of an Indian women's community convention.

Homosexuality is illegal in Malaysia. However, transvestites live and work openly in Malaysian society.