Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said the SOPs will be introduced following the passing of the Local Government (Amendment) Bill 2025 in the Dewan Rakyat today, to ensure effective implementation of the law while upholding social justice for all offenders.
Nga added that capacity building is important for PBT officers, especially when dealing with young offenders.
“They must fully understand not only the provisions under the Local Government Act 1976 (Act 171) but also the Child Act 2001 (Act 611), which has been taken into account in the ministry’s implementation plan to ensure effective legal enforcement,” he said when winding up the debate on the Bill.
The Bill was passed by a majority voice vote after being debated by eight Members of Parliament from both the government and opposition blocs.
The amendment introduces a new Subsection 104A(1), which empowers the courts to order individuals convicted of breaching by-laws under Act 171 to perform up to 12 hours of community service, in addition to any fines imposed.
Subsection 104A(3) provides that authorised PBT officers shall determine the time and place for carrying out the community service once a court order is issued.
Meanwhile, Subsection 104A(8) states that if the offender is under the age of 18, provisions under Act 611 regarding community service orders will apply.
Nga further said the ministry has outlined several strategies to enhance the effectiveness of the law, including increasing the number of authorised PBT officers for enforcement and monitoring purposes.
“To support capacity-building for PBT officers, inter-agency cooperation will be strengthened, along with greater use of modern technology and efficient resource management,” he said.
The Dewan Rakyat sitting continues tomorrow.– BERNAMA
