Foreign nationals and children will not be exempt from penalties for littering in public areas under the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Act 2007 (Act 672), which came into effect on January 1, 2026.
Minister of Housing and Local Government, Nga Kor Ming, said that to ensure smooth enforcement of the law, 330 officers from the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Corporation (SWCorp) have been deployed nationwide during the New Year 2026 period.
He noted that enforcement operations began at 12:01 a.m., resulting in 42 individuals being detained and fined at Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur. Among them were 18 foreign nationals and two children.
“No one is above the law. Anyone caught discarding cigarette butts, spitting on the street, or leaving trash such as plastic bottles can face action,” Nga Kor Ming told reporters.
He added that parents or guardians are fully responsible for children involved in violations and must pay the fines, emphasizing the importance of educating the younger generation.
The minister said the enforcement also targets foreign nationals to send a clear message that all residents must respect national laws.
Act 672 provides for a maximum fine of RM2,000 and, depending on court rulings, offenders may also face imprisonment or 12 hours of community service. Community service can include street sweeping, cleaning drains and public toilets, and trimming plants if necessary.
“Community service is not just a punishment; it is meant to educate the public on being responsible for environmental cleanliness. Maintaining cleanliness is not solely the government’s duty but everyone’s responsibility, in line with the ‘Clean Malaysia, Prosperous People’ slogan,” he said.
For states that have yet to adopt Act 672, Nga Kor Ming said a six-month period has been provided for discussions with state governments to determine suitable enforcement mechanisms.
In a related development, he urged all Malaysians to act as tourism ambassadors for the country, in line with the goal of attracting 45 million tourists and generating RM350 billion in tourism revenue this year.
