MELAKA: Littering of cigarette butts remains the leading offence under the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Act 2007.
Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Corporation (SWCorp) CEO Khalid Mohamed said more than 1,700 cases were recorded out of 2,154 notices issued as of April 7.
Khalid said the statistics reflect that awareness among smokers on public cleanliness remains unsatisfactory.
"Of the total number of cases, the offence of discarding cigarette butts continues to record the highest figure," he said on Wednesday (April 8).
He added that this indicates a lackadaisical attitude towards public cleanliness persists.
Earlier at the Sessions Court in Ayer Keroh, three locals were fined after pleading guilty to discarding cigarette butts in public places.
Each of the offenders was slapped with a fine ranging between RM500 and RM700.
They were also ordered to perform between 10 and 12 hours of community service within six months.
Khalid said that although the act may seem minor, disposing of cigarette butts improperly has a significant impact on environmental cleanliness.
"This act not only pollutes public areas but also reflects a level of discipline in society that still needs to be improved," he said.
He noted that the excuse of a lack of rubbish bins is no longer relevant as facilities are usually located near where the offences occur.
Khalid said the increase in proactive enforcement operations has contributed to the rise in cases.
There was a notable spike in the first week of April compared with the same period the previous month.
SWCorp will continue to intensify monitoring and enforcement operations particularly in public hotspots.
"In the meantime, the public is encouraged to play their part by reporting offences related to the disposal of cigarette butts," he added.
