Let’s do better: Fast-tracking community service for serial litterbugs can help deter irresponsible dumping ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026, say groups. — SHAARI CHEMAT/The Star
PETALING JAYA: Establishing community service for serial litterbugs should be expedited, as it can help deter irresponsible dumping ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026, say groups.
Federation of Malaysian Consumers Association (Fomca) chief executive officer Saravanan Thambirajah said delaying action may signal tolerance for behaviour that affects the environment, public health, tourism and local government costs.
“However, fast-tracking the law should also be accompanied by robust public education and consultation to ensure it is accepted, understood and effectively implemented,” he said.
ALSO READ:
- A passion to promote cleanliness, Japanese style
- New litter law will boost tourism appeal, say industry players
- Emphasise education, not just punishment
The government tabled amendments to three acts related to public hygiene on March 5. The government may soon order litterbugs to perform community service, and those who fail to comply will face a fine ranging from RM2,000 to RM10,000.
Saravanan said requiring litterbugs to perform community service, especially cleaning public spaces, is a constructive and educational approach.
“It serves as a deterrent and helps instil a sense of responsibility and accountability among offenders.
“The visibility of such penalties – particularly if special uniforms are worn – can serve as a powerful public reminder that littering has real consequences,” he said.
However, he said enforcement must be done transparently and without discrimination.
“Authorities must avoid targeting only certain socio-economic groups or locations.
“Public awareness campaigns should clearly outline the laws and penalties to avoid ambiguity.
“There should also be provisions for appeals and community engagement so that the punishment fits the offence and is not considered overly punitive or stigmatising,” he said, adding that uniform enforcement should be across urban and rural areas.
He said education and awareness must go hand in hand with enforcement.
“Starting from schools, environmental responsibility should be part of the curriculum.
“Local councils and NGOs can collaborate to run anti-littering campaigns, provide adequate bins and recycling facilities, and organise community clean-up events,” he said.
He added that incentivising cleanliness – such as through competitions or rewards – can also foster positive behaviour.
“Ultimately, long-term change depends on shaping societal attitudes towards public hygiene and shared spaces,” he said.
Consumers Association of Penang senior education officer NV Subbarow said proactive measures should be taken now to raise more awareness of the harms of littering before the law comes into force.
He said this includes having the authorities play pre-recorded messages on loudspeakers during patrols to instil awareness of littering, similar to what was done when the smoking ban at restaurants came into effect in 2019.
Subbarow added that the process builds the authorities’ omnipresence and reminds people to discard waste correctly.
“Back then, the messages reminded people not to smoke in restaurants, but now it can be about not simply throwing waste. This can start at known littering hotspots or public areas.
“We need to instil such habits in fellow Malaysians ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026, as we don’t want tourists to see rubbish all around,” he pointed out.
He said the announcements could also prove more efficient at getting people’s attention.
“Relevant enforcement officers can also add a human touch by reminding the public of proper waste disposal during their patrols on foot,” he said.
He noted that community leaders can also play their part when meeting fellow residents.
“Community service for litterbugs is also timely. This will deter people from doing so, especially if the community service is highly publicised,” Subbarow added.
Radzuan Samsudin, deputy president of a resident group in Bandar Kinrara, Puchong, said the residential area he lives in faces the problem of bulk waste dumping, including furniture, despite the local council putting up signboards warning residents against throwing out bulk items in the area.
“Introducing community service to the litterbugs would deter people from irresponsible dumping.
“Those hearing of others having gone through such community service would also be reminded that they too could face such action,” Radzuan added.
Resident group president of Shah Alam Mushthaq Ahmad Ibrahim said the law should be enforced appropriately.
“This should also impact foreign workers and tourists, as in other developed countries,” he said.
He added that foreign workers working at housing construction sites were contributing to the littering in his neighbourhood.
“In areas with foreigners or low-income areas, rubbish is not being discarded properly.
“This causes the disposal area to become infested with rodents, potentially causing harm to public health,” he said.
