Community service is not about punishment alone; it is about educating through experience - January 1, 2026
High-visibility vests await litter bugs while conducting 12-hour mandatory community service
Approach marks a transition in enforcement policy from purely financial penalties to education through real-life experience,” said SWCorp Chief Executive Khalid Mohamed
INDIVIDUALS found discarding small items of litter in public spaces will face mandatory community service under new legislation aimed at fostering civic responsibility.
The policy, enforced by the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Corporation (SWCorp), shifts the emphasis from monetary fines to practical, experience-based education on environmental cleanliness.
“This approach marks a transition in enforcement policy from purely financial penalties to education through real-life experience,” said SWCorp Chief Executive Khalid Mohamed.
“While fines can be paid, the experience of cleaning up after others is expected to have a deeper psychological impact, fostering awareness and deterring repeat offences.”
The initiative follows amendments introduced through the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management (Amendment) Bill 2025, granting courts the authority to impose up to 12 hours of community service as an additional punishment for minor littering.
Khalid emphasised that the aim of the programme is not simply punitive. “Community service is not about punishment alone; it is about educating through experience. When individuals are directly involved in cleaning public spaces, awareness of the importance of cleanliness is far more effectively instilled,” he said.
The initiative targets minor littering offences, including the disposal of cigarette butts, tissues, food packaging, drink cans, and receipts, particularly in high-traffic areas such as tourist spots, city centres, pedestrian pathways, and other public spaces.
Individuals convicted in court will be required to perform tasks such as collecting waste in recreational areas and along pedestrian paths, cleaning public toilets, clearing blocked drains, and participating in post-event public cleaning exercises.
Offenders will be required to wear high-visibility vests during their service. “Aside from ensuring safety, the vests serve as a visual marker to create a sense of accountability and distinguish offenders from regular cleaning staff,” Khalid added.
The maximum duration of community service is set at 12 hours in total, to be completed within six months under the strict supervision of SWCorp enforcement officers. The scheme integrates existing legal provisions under the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Act 2007 [Act 672], which permits courts to impose fines or community service of up to 12 hours. - January 1, 2026
