IPOH: The Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) employee being investigated for tossing a cigarette butt from a council vehicle will have to perform community service if found guilty, says Nga Kor Ming.
The Housing and Local Government Minister said the rule of law must be upheld, noting that the Federal Constitution guarantees equality before the law, regardless of a person’s status.
"Whoever throws a cigarette butt and is caught will face action.
"If the individual is a local council staff member, not only will a community service order be imposed, but disciplinary action will also be taken," he said at a press conference after presenting appointment letters to 160 Chinese New Village chiefs here on Friday (April 24).
"Public servants must lead by example. Those who commit an offence must take responsibility.
"The hands that dirty must also clean – that is our slogan. If it is proven that the person is involved in littering, action will be taken."
A viral video purportedly showing the MBSA employee tossing the cigarette butt from the vehicle has drawn heavy criticism from social media users.
Nga said that to date, more than 3,000 people have been caught littering nationwide and have performed community service, including an expectant mother.
"Just last week, a foreign national from China carried out community service. I want to stress again that everyone is equal before the law.
"It does not matter if you are a Tan Sri, Datuk Seri or any individual.
"It is simple. If you do not want to sweep the streets for 12 hours, do not litter, as rubbish belongs in the bin," he stressed.
Separately, he said that 98 Indian New Villages nationwide would receive RM15mil in allocations to upgrade infrastructure, particularly roads, LED and solar lighting, as well as drainage systems.
"The priority will be given to improving drainage systems, as many of these settlements were previously developed without proper planning, resulting in irregular layouts and inadequate systems.
"We want to ensure proper development, to upgrade infrastructures and prevent flash floods," he said.
