COMMUNITY Service Orders (CSO) for littering will be directed at serious offenders who leave food containers and other rubbish in public spaces, while warnings will remain the priority for minor offences, according to Penang Island City Council (MBPP).
Penang island mayor Datuk A. Rajendran said the city council’s main aim was to build awareness and change public behaviour rather than punish every infraction.
“We want to warn people not to throw rubbish indiscriminately, and to love the environment,” he said during an enforcement walkabout near the Esplanade Linear Park.
Rajendran also clarified that diners who leave plates or bowls on restaurant tables would not be targeted, as clearing them was part of normal restaurant operations.
He said stricter enforcement would be introduced gradually as public understanding improved.
He stressed that littering not only tarnished Penang’s image as a tourist destination but also posed health risks by attracting disease-carrying pests.
“If food waste is left behind, it attracts rats and other vectors, increasing the risk of diseases such as leptospirosis, dengue and malaria.
“We want Penang to be clean because both tourists and locals do not want to stay in a dirty environment,” he added.
Rajendran said MBPP was studying whether compounds should be introduced in future.
“We may come up with a policy later.
“Some countries prevent offenders from leaving until they settle their fines, but we are not looking at that now,” he said.
Rajendran also defended MBPP’s move to reduce the number of public rubbish bins in certain areas, arguing that overflowing bins often created a dirtier environment.
“In many cities, people carry their rubbish with them until they find a proper place to dispose of it.
“We want to encourage the same sense of responsibility.”
Effective from July 1, those convicted of minor littering offences may be ordered by the court to perform up to 12 hours of community service within six months, fined up to RM2,000, or both.
Also present on the walkabout were MBPP city councillor and public health standing committee alternate chairman Tan Soo Siang and MBPP Urban Services Department chairman Rohaizat Hamid.
On the mainland, Penang local government committee chairman Jason H’ng Mooi Lye said offenders would be taken to court and face community service, fines or both under newly enforced laws.
“Once our enforcement officers obtain sufficient evidence through body camera recordings, they have the authority to issue a notice immediately,” he said after a statewide enforcement walkabout in Bandar Perda, Bukit Mertajam.
H’ng said offenders would be prosecuted under the amended Local Government Act 2025 (Act 1772) and the Street, Drainage and Building Act 2025 (Act 1773).
“Those brought before the court might be fined up to RM2,000, ordered to perform up to 12 hours of community service, or both,” he said.
Individuals who fail to comply with a court-ordered CSO may face a heavier fine of between RM2,000 and RM10,000.
H’ng urged the media to help raise public awareness of the new enforcement measures, stressing that the law applies equally to locals, domestic visitors, foreign workers and tourists.
“Everyone who comes to Penang is subject to the same law.
“If there is sufficient evidence that they committed a littering offence, they will face legal action,” he added.
Foreign tourists will also be prosecuted if caught littering, with the courts determining any further action.
H’ng said if the offender was a minor, responsibility would fall on the child’s parent or legal guardian.
“Parents must educate their children not to litter,” he said.
Polytechnic student Muhammad Harriz Husni Ridhuan, 19, welcomed the implementation, saying tougher enforcement had come at the right time to encourage cleaner public spaces.
“I believe stricter enforcement will make people think twice before littering.
“If everyone plays their part, Penang will become cleaner and more pleasant for both residents and tourists,” he said.
Factory supervisor Nuraqilah Ridzuan, 29, said the policy should not be seen as burdensome, as everyone has a role to play in keeping the surroundings clean.
“People must treat cleanliness as a shared responsibility.”
Suraya Hashim, 63, supported efforts to keep Penang clean, but urged authorities to consider the circumstances of certain offenders.
She said senior citizens or mothers caring for several young children might struggle to carry out community service.
Suraya suggested a more compassionate approach for first-time offenders and vulnerable groups.
“Instead of imposing fines or community service, perhaps they could consider counselling or warnings,” she said.
