The enforcement of Community Service Orders (PKM) for minor littering offences under the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Act 2007 (Act 672) is a strategic move to eradicate the habit of discarding rubbish in public spaces. Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming stated that if left unchecked, the habit of improper small-scale waste disposal contributes to significant issues, such as clogged drainage systems. These blockages not only affect the comfort of local communities but are also a primary cause of flash floods in urban areas.
Minister Nga emphasised that the enforcement serves as a stern reminder for the public to be more responsible regarding environmental cleanliness. He cautioned that those caught littering risk facing actions that could bring embarrassment to their family names. The government’s primary goal is to educate the citizenry on collective environmental stewardship, urging people not to discard cigarette butts, tissues, or drink cans indiscriminately, as such acts tarnish the nation’s image.
According to the Chief Executive Officer of the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Corporation (SWCorp), Khalid Mohamed, a total of 78 offenders performed court-ordered community service simultaneously across six states last Saturday. This third series of the PKM initiative involved 21 individuals in Kedah, five in Perlis, 26 in the Federal Territories, 12 in Pahang, nine in Negeri Sembilan, and five in Johor. The operations were conducted at prominent locations including Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur and Pantai Murni in Yan.
The community service orders focus on comprehensive cleaning tasks, which include maintaining footpaths, public roads, drainage systems, public toilets, and coastal areas. This initiative aligns with the government’s broader objective to foster a culture of sustainable solid waste management, a core aspiration of the Malaysia Madani framework. The Minister reiterated the philosophy that those who litter must be the ones to clean, reinforcing personal accountability for public hygiene.
To date, SWCorp has issued 1,342 Notices of Offence (NPK) across seven states governed by Act 672. These notices involve 1,058 Malaysian citizens and 284 foreign nationals. The ongoing enforcement reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring that public spaces remain clean and functional, while simultaneously discouraging antisocial behaviour through visible legal consequences.
