MBSJ Welcomes Commuting Convicted Litterbugs to Community Service under New Bill

SUBANG JAYA, July 23 —The Subang Jaya City Council (MBSJ) welcomed the announcement by Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming on the implementation of court-ordered community service sentences for individuals convicted of littering in public areas.

Once implemented, community service may soon replace the slap-on-the-wrist fines for litterbugs — a move the Subang Jaya City Council (MBSJ) fully supports.

In a statement today, MBSJ expressed its backing for the Housing and Local Government Ministry’s proposal to amend the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Act, which would grant courts the authority to impose community service sentences on offenders caught discarding litter in public spaces.

Nga had said the SOPs will be introduced following the passing of the Local Government (Amendment) Bill 2025 in the Dewan Rakyat, to ensure effective implementation of the law while upholding social justice for all offenders.

“This is a positive step forward that can help raise awareness and instil a greater sense of public responsibility,” MBSJ said, reaffirming its commitment to sustainable city governance.

The council isn’t new to the anti-littering cause. Since 2017, MBSJ has been enforcing its own Anti-Litter Campaign, issuing RM50 compounds under local by-laws. In March this year, it also rolled out Anti-Litter Zones throughout its jurisdiction — a move aimed at curbing the litter menace through stricter enforcement and public education.

“We remain committed to pushing forward clean and sustainable urban policies as we strive to build a resilient and liveable city,” the council added.

The proposed legal amendments are currently being fine-tuned before they are tabled in Parliament.

Meanwhile MBSJ councillor for Zon 3 Chia Yew Ken said he welcomed community service for litterbugs.

“It is a good move to deter people from littering. People will think twice before they throw their rubbish anywhere and everywhere.”

“The finer details will have to be worked out on logistics, manpower and even safety of those who are ordered by the court to carry out community service for the offence they committed,” he said.

MBSJ councillor for Zon 4 Kamarul Hisham when contacted said he totally supported this.

“MBSJ has many community projects implemented by councillors. We don’t have enough volunteers to help. Convicted offenders can be mobilised to help.”

“This could be a deterrent for residents who like to throw rubbish everywhere especially in parks,” he said.

Our earlier report https://sjecho.com.my/community/new-law-community-service-for-convicted-litterbugs/