KUALA LUMPUR: The Cabinet has agreed in principle to a law penalising litterbugs with community service, says Nga Kor Ming.
The Housing and Local Government Minister said the Cabinet also agreed in principle for three laws to be amended to implement this.
They are the Solid Waste and Public Cleaning Management Act 2007 (Act 672); Streets, Drainage and Building Act 1974 (Act 133); and Local Government Act 1976 (Act 171).
Nga said he is targeting the amendments to be tabled at the first Dewan Rakyat sitting in 2025.
“Littering is still a concern. Present penalties imposed by local authorities are also not a deterrent,” he said at the Housing and Local Government Ministry’s Media Excellence Night celebrations here on Friday (Nov 29).
He said the amendments would see convicted litterbugs needing to sweep roads and clean drains while wearing a special uniform.
Nga said the penalty was intended to stop litterbugs, educate them about cleanliness and improve the surroundings.
“We will review all amendments and study for the best implementation model, whether it is suitable for first-time or repeat offenders,” Nga said.
He said penalising convicted litterbugs with community service is also practiced in other countries like Singapore and Sweden.
