KUALA LUMPUR: Habitual litterbugs could end up having to sweep the streets or clean drains under penalties to be introduced in the Local Government Act.
“If we receive approval from the Cabinet and Parliament (to amend the law), it will mean that these repeat offenders will not only be fined but will also be required to perform community service,” said Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming.
These litterbugs, he said, might have to wear special uniforms while they clean the streets, drains or even the toilets for a minimum of two to four hours, as a lesson to them.
“If everything proceeds smoothly, we will table the amended Act during the first session of Parliament next year.
“Now, it is in the final stage of review before it is submitted to the Attorney General’s Chambers next month,” he told reporters yesterday after launching Malaysia Clean-Up Day: Mega Cleaning Programme in conjunction with World Clean-Up Day, which takes place annually on Sept 20.
Nga said that such a requirement for community service is not a new concept.
“It has been implemented in many developed countries including Sweden, Norway and Singapore,” he added.
In Singapore, litterbugs are fined S$300 (RM965) for the first offence. Repeat offenders will have to go to the court.
For the first court conviction, the maximum fine is S$2,000, S$4,000 for the second, and S$10,000 for subsequent convictions.
They may be given a Corrective Work Order which requires them to clean public areas for three to 12 hours.
“Malaysia is more than three decades behind (in implementing such a law).
“That’s why Singapore is clean. Japan is also clean,” said Nga.
Participants celebrate the World Cleanup Day 2024 by joining the cleanup efforts around the Pasar Seni area. —YAP CHEE HONG/The Star
Under Malaysian laws, the fine for litterbugs varies from RM500 to RM1,000 depending on the location. In Sarawak, the fine could be just RM100.
Nga said it was high time that Malaysia took serious measures to address littering, which has been a longstanding problem.
“A person may be educated and has good manners, but personal awareness stems from having a sense of responsibility.”
He also stressed on the need to present a positive image of the country.
Furthermore, he said, the government had to spend RM3bil annually on public cleaning and solid waste management, including in states that have yet to adopt the Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Act.
Malaysians are estimated to generate 14.5 million tonnes of waste annually.
“Imagine how much waste that is. If we do not manage it properly, it will undermine public health, affect the country’s image, and even lower the happiness index of the people in this country,” added Nga.
The ministry’s plan to compel habitual litterbugs to perform community service has got the support of many Malaysians.
Copywriter K. Kumaresan, 28 welcomed the suggestion, saying that community service would deter people from littering.
“If they are only fined for the offence, some people would feel that they can afford it, so they wouldn’t mind paying it.
“With community service, not only would the litterbugs be shamed for their behaviour, but this would also contribute to the cleanliness of the environment,” he said.
Mawardah Ahmad, 49, a janitor, lauded the government’s decision to punish frequent litterbugs with community service.
“It’s good to teach them a lesson for their bad habits. What better way to do this than getting them to perform community service?
“Let them have a taste of their own medicine by cleaning up the environment.
“Sometimes people need to learn the hard way,” she said, adding that she often comes across people who discard garbage everywhere.
Executive Terry Ong, 38, said it was a great move, adding that the two to four hours of community service would teach errant litterbugs a lesson.
“I am sure they will remember this lesson and hopefully not repeat it,” he said.
