TELUK INTAN: It is the courts’ authority to determine the specific community service punishment for individuals found guilty of minor littering offences, says Nga Kor Ming.
The Housing and Local Government Minister said offenders may be required to perform tasks such as cleaning drains, sweeping streets, or washing public toilets, with the minimum duration of service set at two hours.
"We leave the punishment up to the court's discretion. For example, if the court orders four days of service, the offender will have to sweep the streets for four days. The ministry is only amending existing legal provisions," he told a press conference after the launch of a new machinery for the Teluk Intan Municipal Council at its office building here on Monday (Jan 13).
Nga further emphasised that imposing community service would be more effective in deterring offenders rather than increasing fines by RM300 or RM500.
"Raising fines may not work as offenders can simply pay and repeat the offence. However, when required to do community service, offenders will realise the consequences of their actions and will be less likely to litter again," he said.
In November last year, Nga said an amendment to the law for the implementation of community service punishments for minor littering offences was expected to be tabled in the Dewan Rakyat in March.
He added that the amendment would be part of the drafting process for revisions to the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Act 2007 (Act 672), the Street, Drainage and Building Act 1974 (Act 133), and the Local Government Act 1976 (Act 171).
"The amendment will focus on the punishment for those who litter in public, and it is necessary to raise awareness among the public," Nga said. - Bernama
