On Jan 1, 2026, the government implemented strict enforcement against litterbugs, where those caught in the act will be made to do community service as punishment.
Since then, hundreds of litterbugs have been issued notices across the country, with 55 of them being caught in Johor Bahru alone, reported NST and The Star.
Mix of foreigners and locals
Speaking to reporters, Johor Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Corporation (SWCorp) director Zainal Fitri Ahmad said a total of 27 Malaysians and 28 foreigners were caught littering.
Out of the foreigners, five of them were Singaporeans while the rest were migrant workers.
All 55 individuals were caught throwing cigarette butts, drink containers and tissues in public places. They were also issued notices under Section 77A of the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Act (Act 672).
Under this Section, littering is no longer a compoundable offense and offenders will be brought to court, where they face a RM2,000 fine and made to carry out community service for up to 12 hours.
Flimsy excuses
Zainal also revealed the excuses given by the Singaporean litterbugs.
One said they were not throwing rubbish but were collecting it first. These excuses cannot be accepted. Our country’s law is clear.
“The provisions are there. The warning signages are visible, and the public is aware of the enforcement. It is simply a matter of compliance.
“It is disappointing to see people throwing garbage on the ground despite standing near rubbish bins. We want Johor Bharu to remain clean and ready to welcome guests,” he said.
Zainal added that two offenders – a Bangladeshi and an Indonesian – will be brought to court on Friday (Jan 23), making the first such cases in Malaysia under the newly-gazetted provisions of the Act.
He also said checks will continue on a scheduled basis, with teams carrying out plainclothes surveillance.
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