KUALA LUMPUR: The Housing and Local Government Ministry is in the process to amend the 1976 Local Government Act to incorporate community service as a form of punishment for serial litterbugs, says Nga Kor Ming.
“If we receive approval from the Cabinet and Parliament, the new laws will mean that repeat offenders will not only be fined but will also be required to perform community service.
"Those facing these penalties may be required to wear special uniforms and sweeping the streets, or even cleaning toilets for a minimum of two to four hours,” the minister said to reporters after launching Malaysia Clean-Up Day: Mega Cleaning Programme in conjunction with World Clean-Up Day 2024 at Central Market on Saturday (Sept 28).
The event was also attended by Federal Territories Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa.
”This is not merely a punishment but a reminder. When the message is clear, we will understand that littering is unacceptable from a young age to the elderly.
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"Everyone may be educated and have good manners, but personal awareness stems from responsibility. I hope that if everything proceeds smoothly, we will present the amended Act in the first session of 2025, in line with our Asean chairmanship or at the final departmental stage.
"I expect by next month, we will submit it to the Attorney-General's Chambers,” Nga added.
Malaysia Clean-Up Day is a joint initiative by the Housing and Local Government Ministry, the Federal Territories Department, and Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), with strategic cooperation from PR1MA Corporation Malaysia and Malakoff Corporation Berhad through Alam Flora Sdn Bhd
This mega cleaning and community service programme has been conducted at 649 locations nationwide, involving various levels of the organisation, including state governments, local authorities, ministries, schools, fire stations, PR1MA Residences, People's Housing Program (PPR), public parks, neighbourhoods, and non-governmental organisations.
Activities include cleaning up illegal dumps, plogging, street cleaning, drain cleaning, and waste management towards a circular economy.
As of 11am today, a total of 32,165 people nationwide have responded to World Cleanup Day. It is expected that by 8pm, the number of participants will surpass the target of 50,000 set by the organisers, potentially securing a place in the Malaysia Book of Records.
