Three Singaporeans among 120 fined for littering in Malaysia under new Community Service Order law, with enforcement expanding to more states.
BANTING: Three Singaporeans were among five individuals issued compound notices for littering in Johor Bahru.
Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming confirmed the enforcement action taken by the Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Corporation (SWCorp).
“They thought they could do it (litter in public places); now they cannot,” Nga said at an event in Sungai Jarom.
He emphasised the government’s commitment to cleanliness, stating, “We want Singapore to be clean, Malaysia even cleaner.”
The enforcement follows the implementation of the Community Service Order under the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Act 2007.
This new penalty came into effect on Jan 1 to address littering in public places.
Separately, 120 individuals were issued compound notices for littering in Kuala Lumpur on New Year’s Eve.
Nga indicated that further legal action would be pursued by the prosecution in these cases.
The Community Service Order is currently enforced in Johor, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Perlis, Kedah, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya.
For states not subject to Act 672, including Penang, Selangor, Kelantan and Terengganu, enforcement will be carried out by local authorities.
Nga said implementation in these states will begin as soon as possible, pending approval from their respective state governments.
The punishment was implemented through amendments to Act 672 passed by Parliament last year.
In a separate initiative, Nga announced that 10 markets nationwide will be developed as pilot tourism destinations.
More than RM10 million has been allocated for this project to stimulate the national economy.
The design concept for each market will be determined through an open design competition judged by independent parties.
Local authorities will collaborate with the Malaysian Institute of Architects to select the best designs.
“They will select designs that best reflect identity, heritage, culture and the environment,” Nga explained.
He added that each state will have its own unique design suited to its heritage and culture.
On legislative matters, Nga said the tabling of the Urban Renewal Bill would proceed according to Parliament’s schedule.
The Ministry of Housing and Local Government has received feedback on the bill from all relevant parties.
“KPKT is always ready (to table the bill). We are fully prepared, but we respect the agenda set by Parliament,” he stated.
