A total of 78 individuals ordered by the court to undergo Community Service Orders (PKM) carried out their sentences simultaneously across six states this Saturday. Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Corporation (SWCorp) Chief Executive Officer, Khalid Mohamed, confirmed that this third series of the PKM programme involved participants from Kedah, Perlis, Pahang, Negeri Sembilan, Johor, and the Federal Territories. The offenders were deployed to various high-traffic public locations, including Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur and Pantai Murni in Yan, to perform comprehensive cleaning duties as part of their legal obligations.
The implementation of these orders is carried out under the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Act 2007 (Act 672) as a strategic measure to combat petty littering in public spaces. Khalid Mohamed explained during a press conference at Pantai Murni that the approach serves a dual purpose, functioning as both a legal penalty and an educational tool. By engaging directly in cleaning pedestrian paths, public drains, and toilets, offenders are expected to gain a deeper understanding of how irresponsible waste disposal negatively impacts community well-being and the quality of shared environments.
To ensure the safety of all participants amidst the current unpredictable and hot weather conditions, SWCorp collaborated closely with the Ministry of Health (KKM) and the Malaysian Meteorological Department (METMalaysia). Health officials were stationed at the various locations to monitor the physical welfare of the participants throughout the duration of the programme. This inter-agency cooperation highlights the structured nature of the punishment, which seeks to instil long-term discipline and environmental awareness in those found violating public cleanliness laws.
Data provided by SWCorp indicates a rigorous enforcement trend, with 1,342 Offence Notification Notices (NPK) issued across seven states to date, involving both locals and foreign nationals. Recent enforcement activities, such as ‘Ops Perantau’ at Rest and Service (R&R) areas and ‘Ops Ambang Aidilfitri’, have resulted in numerous notices being served at dozens of locations nationwide. Khalid noted that the programme is ongoing, with further series of community service scheduled for the coming days involving more offenders who have recently been processed through the legal system.
Among those completing their service, individuals expressed that the experience served as a significant personal lesson regarding civic responsibility. One participant, 22-year-old Mohd Arman Fatihi Mohd Daud, admitted the sentence provided useful insight, while Irwan Hafiz, a 25-year-old Indonesian national penalised for discarding a cigarette butt, echoed similar sentiments. Both individuals advised the general public to strictly adhere to government regulations and refrain from littering to ensure the continued cleanliness and sustainability of the country’s public spaces.
