A Singaporean man became the first of his countrymen to be charged in Malaysia for littering in Kuala Lumpur on New Year’s Eve under new laws which came into effect on Jan 1.
Mohamed Nuh Qurasaini Kayat pleaded guilty to the charge at the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court today before Judge Siti Shakirah Mohtarudin.
‘I didn’t see any dustbins’
According to The Straits Times, Mohamed was accused of throwing a cigarette butt in a public place instead of a designated container near a convenience store in Jalan Bukit Bintang.
He was charged under Section 77A(1) of the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Act 2007 (Act 672), which provides an additional community service order under Section 77B(1).
Under this law, offenders face a maximum fine of RM2,000 and up to 12 hours of community service upon conviction.
When asked whether he had an appeal to make after pleading guilty, Mohamad had this to say:
In Singapore, we learn not to throw cigarette butts on the floor. In the early morning, I did not see any dustbin. I saw cigarette butts on the floor, so I chose to throw mine on the floor.”
Mohamad was fined RM1,500, where he faces up to one month in prison if he fails to pay it.
He was also ordered to do four hours of community service, which must be completed within one month of sentencing.
‘No double standards’
SWCorp CEO Khalid Mohamed later told reporters that a total of 644 offence notices were issued as of Feb 9, where littering with cigarette butts made up a majority of offenses.
He also added that 500 Malaysians and 144 foreigners received the notices.
“We do not practice favouritism. We will take action against anyone who throws rubbish in unauthorised places in Malaysia.
“There are more than enough rubbish pins being provided. If you can’t find one, hold on to your items first and don’t litter,” he added.
When asked whether there are plans to ban foreign offenders from entering Malaysia before being charged in court, Khalid said discussions are ongoing with the Immigration Department.
READ ALSO:
