Simple solution: Throw rubbish into a bag or a bin instead of littering. — GLENN GUAN/The Star
JOHOR BARU: From carrying small rubbish bags to wearing clothes with pockets and keeping bins in their cars, Malaysians say they have adapted their daily habits in response to stricter enforcement against littering.
Many noted that these practices were adopted even before the introduction of the Community Service Order as an additional penalty for minor littering offences, but the tougher approach has made them more conscious of how they dispose of waste in public spaces.
Student management assistant Aisha Mohd Yusof, 39, said she has carried a small plastic bag wherever she goes since kindergarten.
“It was a habit instilled in me from a very young age, and now that I have children of my own, I am teaching them to do the same.
“I used to carry a small plastic bag to keep dry rubbish collected throughout the day before emptying it at home or when I found a bin.
“Now there are foldable, recyclable bags that can be attached to keychains, which I use instead,” Aisha said, adding that she has two daughters aged 13 and nine.
While she welcomed the inclusion of community service as a penalty for minor offences, she felt public shaming was unnecessary.
“I fully support the move because it will help keep the country clean and encourage responsible waste disposal.
“However, I do not think it is necessary to shame people by making them wear vests or publicly identify them as offenders. Community service itself is already a sufficient punishment and deterrent,” she said.
The community service punishment under the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Act 2007 (Act 672), came into force nationwide on Jan 1.
Under the law, offenders may be fined up to RM2,000, and the court may also impose a community service order of up to six months, involving work not exceeding 12 hours in total.
Retiree Tan Choo Oo, 63, said he keeps a small bin in his car to avoid littering while driving.
“It is not difficult to find rubbish bins in public places these days. Normally, I would just throw rubbish away, but on the rare occasion I cannot find a bin, I put it in my pocket.
“The real test is when I am driving. As much as I try to avoid it, I sometimes instinctively throw rubbish out of the window.
“That is why I decided to keep a small bin in my car, and it has really helped,” he said, adding that he has used it for three years.
Echoing Aisha’s views, Tan said stricter penalties should not come with public humiliation.
“I do not believe that is the right way to educate either children or adults. It is enough for offenders to spend hours doing community service without making it public.”
For technician K. Kumar, 42, the stricter enforcement makes little difference to his daily routine, as he already has the habit of keeping small rubbish in his pockets.
“Since working in Singapore about five years ago, I rarely wear trousers without pockets. I am used to keeping rubbish in my pockets and emptying them when I see a bin.
“They are very strict about littering there, and I think it is about time we follow suit, especially now that we are trying to attract more visitors,” he said.
