THE government will begin enforcing community service orders for littering offences from January 1, 2026, in a move aimed at strengthening public cleanliness and instilling greater civic responsibility, Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming has said.
Issuing what he described as a final reminder, Nga said enforcement officers have been instructed to fully implement the law, signalling a tougher approach towards those who continue to dispose of waste irresponsibly in public spaces.
“Anyone, including foreigners, who throws rubbish in public places will be fined RM2,000 and sentenced to 12 hours of public cleansing work,” he said in a statement posted on his Facebook page.
Nga reiterated that maintaining clean urban environments is a collective responsibility and should not be placed solely on the shoulders of the government or local authorities. He said it was disappointing that littering remained widespread, particularly in city centres and public areas, despite repeated awareness campaigns.
“Malaysia is progressing towards developed nation status and will be hosting Visit Malaysia 2026, but irresponsible attitudes such as this tarnish the image of our cities and the country’s reputation, including among tourists,” he said.
The minister said his ministry, working through the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Corporation (SWCorp) and local authorities, would continue to carry out regular cleaning operations alongside sustained enforcement efforts. However, he stressed that long-term success would depend heavily on public awareness, discipline and cooperation.
He urged the public to respect shared spaces, especially during festive seasons and large-scale activities, by disposing of waste properly and complying with existing regulations to ensure cities remain clean, comfortable and orderly.
“Clean cities reflect a cultured society. Let us support the efforts of SWCorp and local authorities in ensuring our cities are cleaner, sustainable and liveable for the next generation,” he said. - December 28, 2025
