KUALA LUMPUR: Ragu is a litterbug. He was caught flicking a cigarette butt and ordered to do community service – four hours of cleaning up near Central Market.
But the 59-year-old had only good things to say about the “punishment”.
“It was definitely wrong of me to carelessly throw the cigarette butt even though it seemed like such a small thing. Now I have to face the consequences of my action,” said the general worker.
However, he was all praise for the enforcement officers who he said were kind throughout the operation.
“They gave us refreshments and allowed breaks in between the community service,” he added.
And the oldest offender in the group of five has learnt his lesson. Ragu said people should be more mindful when disposing of rubbish to avoid ending up in a similar situation like him.
Store manager Suzy (not her real name) would agree.
She, too, flicked away a cigarette butt, and it cost her a big chunk of her monthly salary.
“I was fined RM2,000 but paid RM1,500 after the amount was reduced. I was also ordered to perform four hours of community service,” said Suzy, 33.
She and Ragu were among the five sweeping the ground near Central Market on March 12, while wearing a luminous green vest and face masks.
“My advice to the public is to dispose of rubbish properly as it can be very costly otherwise,” she said.
Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Corporation (SWCorp) chief executive officer Khalid Mohamed said littering seemed to be second nature for some people.
And they all had excuses.
“When they get caught, many claim there are no waste bins nearby.
“But when our officers point to one just a few metres away, they fall silent,” he said.
Khalid said undercover officers are deployed round the clock to detect littering offences, while members of the public are encouraged to submit photos or videos as evidence.
The public can channel information or tip-offs via WhatsApp to 013-210 7472.
As for people who toss rubbish out of their cars, the enforcement teams will work with the Road Transport Department to trace vehicle owners and issue notices.
SWCorp currently oversees enforcement in seven states, with Selangor and Penang expected to come under its jurisdiction soon.
