Nearly 8,000 people have been caught for littering under a new community service framework in several parts of Malaysia.
Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said the system should be adopted by more states following its early results.
Over 7,900 notices issued
The framework has been enforced in Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Johor and Kelantan since the start of this year.
According to Nga, a total of 7,919 notices were issued up to May.
He said the number showed that the move had brought clear results on the ground.
Given the positive momentum we are seeing in these areas, I strongly encourage the remaining states to adopt this framework as soon as possible,” he told The Star.
Community service for littering
The order is enforced under the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Act 2007, also known as Act 672.
Under the Community Service Order framework, those caught littering may be required to carry out community service as part of corrective punishment. Offenders may also face fines of up to RM2,000.
The court can impose community service for up to six months, with the total work period capped at 12 hours.
Not just about punishment
Nga said the main purpose of the framework is to educate the public and build civic awareness.
He said enforcement is still needed, but long-term change must come from better public habits.
Ultimately, we want to nurture a civic-minded culture where disposing of trash correctly becomes a habit of our people,” he said.
Nga also cited Japan and Singapore as examples, saying their clean environments were the result of public discipline and shared responsibility.
According to the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Corporation, 5,708 of the notices involved Malaysians. Another 2,211 notices, or 38%, were issued to foreigners.
There were also 47 Singaporeans caught under this framework.
As of May, 158 offenders nationwide had completed their community service sentences.
More states yet to adopt system
Perlis, Kedah, Penang, Perak, Pahang, Terengganu, Melaka, Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan have yet to adopt the system. However, federal-level discussions are still ongoing.
In Penang, the state is taking a different approach by using the Street, Drainage and Building (Amendment) Act 2025 instead of Act 672.
State executive councillor Jason H’ng Mooi Lye said Penang is still studying the process of adopting Act 672, including matters involving budget, manpower and implementation.
He said enforcement under the state’s current approach is expected to begin on July 1.
READ ALSO:
