PETALING JAYA: Heavy penalties alone are not enough to change littering habits; highly visible and uncompromising enforcement of the anti-littering law is also crucial, say experts.
The implementation of the amended law must come as a “shock” to the community, said sustainable development lawyer Kiu Jia Yaw.
“The penalties must be highlighted in headlines, so they serve as a wake-up call and people take them seriously.”
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Kiu said people take smoking bans and traffic fines seriously because of firm and aggressive enforcement.
“This law should be implemented in the same way.
“People with status or influence should not be allowed to escape if they commit offences.”
Kiu also said that the ratio of enforcement officers to the public in certain areas was currently disproportionate.
However, he said there was also a need for better planning, including increasing the number of waste disposal sites during public events or fairs.
“The authorities must ensure there are enough cleared bins, so people are not tempted to throw their rubbish beside overflowing bins,” Kiu added.
Sahabat Alam Malaysia honorary secretary Mageswari Sangaralingam agreed that public reporting of punishments can help.
“If Malaysians see offenders fined and doing community service, the law will gain credibility and attitudes can change,” she said.
“Malaysia could also publish monthly updates on the number of fined offenders and those who have completed community service.”
She noted that enforcement or patrols in high-traffic areas such as markets, bazaars, transport hubs and tourist spots must be stepped up.
Meanwhile, Ecotourism and Conservation Society Malaysia (Ecomy) president and chief executive officer Andrew Sebastian said littering was a learnt behaviour from young and that mindsets must change.
“It stems from how you are brought up and a lack of awareness.
“A child might see parents flick a cigarette butt out of a window and think nothing of it when he does the same as an adult.
“We never grew up thinking of the consequences.”
He added that Malaysians used to laugh at Singapore’s strictness, but not any more.
“We used to laugh at Singapore for their ban on chewing gum and such because to us it was seen as too strict.
“But when we go there, we follow their rules and behave accordingly because we fear the penalties.
“We need strict enforcement here too and start changing behaviours.
He added that the spillover effect to the environment is very real.
“You can see it at picnic spots. It’s very bad and people are just not being be mindful.
“This can destroy the balance of nature,” he said.
