Offenders face fines and mandatory community service
DON’T even think of littering anywhere in Penang, as stricter enforcement against offenders has kicked off.
Those nabbed by enforcement officers, who are equipped with body cameras as of yesterday, will face fines and mandatory community service.
“Each operation is led by an operations officer while enforcement personnel with body cameras ensure enforcement is carried out transparently and professionally, besides serving as evidence,”
State local government committee chairman H’ng Mooi Lye said body cameras on personnel would ensure enforcement was carried out transparently and professionally.
They could also serve as evidence, he said in a statement.
Among offences that can lead to community service order (CSO) action are throwing cigarette butts, tissues, plastic items, bottles and food wrappers in public places; dumping rubbish into drains; littering in parks, beaches and recreational areas; throwing rubbish from vehicles and leaving food waste or rubbish after trading in public areas.
A Notice of Offence will be issued to offenders before the case is taken to court for further action.
H’ng said the court could impose a fine of up to RM2,000, order offenders to perform community service of up to 12 hours within six months, or both.
The CSO for littering has been enforced in several states and Federal Territories since Jan 1 under amendments to Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Act 2007.
Penang, however, did not adopt the Act and is instead implementing the CSO under amendments to Street, Drainage and Building Act 1974.
The state gave its two city councils six months to prepare and work out the enforcement mechanism, public awareness campaign, notices and court process before full enforcement started.
The order is not a replacement of existing fines, and can only be imposed following a conviction.
Those who fail to carry out court-ordered CSO can be charged with a separate offence and fined between RM2,000 and RM10,000.
H’ng joined officials from Penang Island City Council (MBPP), including island mayor Datuk A. Rajendran, on a public awareness programme at Lebuh Armenian last month to distribute leaflets to residents, traders and tourists explaining the CSO.
H’ng said many supported the move as a way to boost cleanliness and civic responsibility.
