COMMUNITY SERVICE FOR MINOR LITTERING FROM JAN 1

He said the initiative aims to educate the public and raise awareness about environmental cleanliness, while preventing repeat offences and reducing the risk of vector-borne diseases caused by rats, flies and mosquitoes.

The implementation of the order will depend on the decision of the Magistrate’s Court, and can be carried out in a single day or divided into several sessions according to the total hours.

“Anyone who litters from their vehicle, throws cigarette butts, tissues, plastics, drink cans or food wrappers in public areas will be required to wear a special vest and pick up small litter in public spaces, clean drains, and wash public toilets during the stipulated period.

“This approach is not merely corrective; it carries significant humanistic value by exposing offenders directly to the consequences of their actions on the environment,” he said during the launch of Malaysia Clean-up Day (HCM) 2025, in conjunction with World Clean-up Day 2025.

Nga said countries such as South Korea, Sweden, Singapore, and Japan have successfully implemented similar approaches, demonstrating their effectiveness in educating the public, showing that Malaysians are equally capable of practising it responsibly.

On Sept 8, Dewan Negara approved amendments to the Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Bill 2025, allowing courts to impose community service orders in addition to fines for littering offences in public places.

Meanwhile, Nga said more than 100,000 participants took part in nationwide clean-up activities today, aiming to collect at least 3,000 kilogrammes of used cooking oil daily in an effort to set two new records in the Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR).

He said the objectives of the programme include increasing public awareness of cleanliness, recycling, and environmental stewardship, while encouraging nationwide participation from government, private sector, NGOs, communities, educational institutions and individuals.

“HCM is not just a clean-up initiative; it represents the core values of Malaysia MADANI, emphasising sustainability, public well-being and social unity.

He said HCM is an annual initiative by the Housing and Local Government Ministry (KPKT), designating the last Saturday of September each year as the national Malaysia Clean-up Day, making it a permanent national agenda.

Nga also informed that KPKT was chosen by the United Nations as the winner of the Global Zero Waste Foundation award, a recognition of Malaysia’s commitment to environmental sustainability.– BERNAMA