KUALA LUMPUR: Starting Jan 1, anyone caught littering or spitting in public places around the capital will face fines up to RM2,000 in addition to performing more than 12 hours of community service over six months, says Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL).
Its health and environment department director, Dr Nor Halizam Ismail, said in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026), DBKL will step up enforcement through regular anti-littering and anti-spitting operations across Kuala Lumpur.
The operations will focus on tourist hotspots to curb the disposal of small litter such as cigarette butts and drink bottles in public areas, as well as spitting on walkways.
This practice not only dirties the surroundings but also tarnishes the country’s image, she said.
“The compounds issued can reach up to RM2,000, depending on the offence committed.
“Our aim is not merely to punish, but also to educate the public to be more disciplined and to respect the shared public spaces,” she said on Bernama TV’s Apa Khabar Malaysia programme here yesterday.
Nor Halizam said DBKL has also designated four litter-free zones covering Jalan Bukit Bintang, Dataran Merdeka, Jalan Tun Perak and the Brickfields commercial area, to further strengthen the image of a clean and orderly city.
She added that DBKL will not compromise on cleanliness standards at food premises and public toilets.
She said owners and contractors would face action if found to have failed to comply with hygiene standards.
“We monitor about 7,450 food premises at all times to ensure there is no food contamination or pest infestations such as rats and cockroaches.
“DBKL also takes public toilet cleanliness seriously and will monitor from time to time or whenever complaints are received,” she said, stressing that the measures are important to ensure the comfort of tourists and locals visiting the capital.
Nor Halizam urged the public to help keep the city clean by disposing of rubbish properly and complying with hygiene regulations, adding that people’s attitudes and behaviour reflect their country’s image.
On the launch of the “I LITE U” event, she said it will be held on Saturday at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur as the curtain-raiser for VM2026.
According to her, the programme is spearheaded by DBKL in collaboration with the Housing and Local Government Ministry, Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry and the Prime Minister’s Department.
“Among the highlights are a parade involving 16 contingents, innovative and technology-themed urban lighting projects, as well as Nusantara music and cultural performances,” she said.
In conjunction with the event, several roads around the capital will be closed – namely Jalan Bukit Bintang, Jalan Raja Sultan, Jalan Pudu and Jalan Sultan Ismail – tomorrow for a full rehearsal and on the launch day from 6pm to midnight.
She encouraged the use of public transport to ease congestion.
