GEORGE TOWN: Nine individuals have been issued court notices for minor littering offences since the Penang Island City Council introduced its community service order mechanism in July.
One offender, a 50-year-old local man, has already been fined RM500 and ordered by the court to complete eight hours of community service.
The council’s Mayor, Datuk A. Rajendran, said the council referred all nine cases to court, with one conviction secured so far.
“A local man was fined RM500 and ordered to perform eight hours of community service. He has completed two hours and has six remaining,” Rajendran told reporters following a council meeting at City Hall on Tuesday (Sept 29).
He revealed that five of the nine offenders are locals, while four are foreign nationals. The remaining eight cases are pending trial, and the council will release further details once decisions are handed down.
Rajendran also appealed to news outlets to respect the privacy of those serving sentences.
“We request that the media not cover the community service being performed to avoid public exposure or embarrassment for those carrying out the order,” he said, adding that the council will provide general updates that do not compromise individual identities.
Penang implemented the enhanced enforcement mechanism on July 1 following amendments to the Local Government Act 1976 (Act 171). Under the framework, courts can order convicted litterbugs to undertake community service alongside monetary fines. While the council determines the location, timing, and nature of the work and supervises the offenders, the penalty itself is handed down by the court.
