Agencies also urged to provide more rubbish bins for large events
THE massive mess left behind by spectators at Dataran Merdeka after the FIFA World Cup 2026 final screening has sparked outrage over the lack of civic responsibility among Malaysians.
The historic square was covered in litter after the 25,000- strong crowd, who had watched the event live early Monday morning, had left.
Images shared by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) showing the area blanketed by discarded food containers, makeshift mats and other litter also went viral.
Attendee Melvin Kanesan said hardly anyone had taken the initiative to dispose of their own rubbish after the match.
“There weren’t any bins in the middle of the field where we were sitting, so many people just left their rubbish there.
“But our group of five had brought our own rubbish bag, so we tied it and placed it near the food trucks as we were walking back to our car,” he said.
The event also featured food stalls and other activities.
Many social media users compared this behaviour unfavourably to Japanese football fans who are known for cleaning up stadiums after matches.
In a social media post, Michael Choon Hock Tay said Malaysians should emulate the Japanese.
“Most of us treat any place outside our home as a rubbish dump,” he said, also suggesting more bins be placed around venues during major public events to encourage proper waste disposal.
Another commenter, Ruth Yap, said organisers should incorporate waste management into event planning.
“This will definitely lighten the load of the local council.”
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh said throwing rubbish into bins was “something basic”.
“The right to receive public services does not mean all responsibility can be handed over to public workers.
“They should not have to clean up rubbish that we deliberately leave behind.
“Kuala Lumpur is our home. Don’t dirty our own home and expect someone else to clean it,” Yeoh said.
In Selangor, there was a slight increase in rubbish collected at one public viewing location at Section 7, Shah Alam, according to KDEB Waste Management.
Its corporate communications assistant general manager Mahfuzah Muhammad Tarmidi said organisers of future large-scale events should engage KDEB Waste Management earlier so that roll-on, roll-off bins could be provided to ensure waste is managed more efficiently after an event.
