KUALA LUMPUR: About 3,800 raids were carried out nationwide last year to shut down illegal dump sites as part of efforts to curb unauthorised waste disposal and protect the environment.
The Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Corporation (SWCorp) said the operations resulted in the removal of more than 1,700 tonnes of waste, with cleanup costs estimated at nearly RM500,000.
“A total of 21 illegal dumping cases were also brought to court under Act 672,” it said in a statement.
The statement came over the weekend, which saw 78 littering offenders carrying out community cleaning work across six states.
Cleanup activities were conducted at Dataran Sena in Kangar (Perlis), Pantai Murni in Yan (Kedah), Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur, Taman Tasik Bandar in Temerloh (Pahang), Jalan BBN 1/2 in Senawang (Negri Sembilan) and Kampung Senibong in Johor Baru (Johor).
Under the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Act, offenders face fines of up to RM2,000 and may be required to complete up to 12 hours of community service.
At Dataran Merdeka, 26 individuals carried out cleaning works, including clearing dry leaves and unclogging drains along Jalan Raja, from morning until noon.
ALSO READ: Johor’s clean sweep against litterbugs
They were given breaks and water every two hours due to the ongoing hot weather, a spokesperson said.
SWCorp chief executive officer Khalid Mohamed said 1,348 notices had been issued under the Act to littering offenders, involving 1,058 Malaysians and 248 foreigners across seven states under SWCorp’s jurisdiction.
“In addition to community clean ups, enforcement operations are also being carried out at highway rest areas.
“These include Ops Perantau from March 7 to 18 at 14 locations, and Ops Ambang Aidilfitri at 35 locations.”
Khalid said the community service component goes beyond punishment and serves as a form of civic education.
“Through direct involvement, offenders can better understand how their actions affect collective well-being and the quality of public spaces.
“This approach is aimed at fostering greater awareness and discipline in maintaining cleanliness,” he said.
