Five Singaporeans are among 15 individuals set to be charged in Johor Bahru for littering offences following stricter enforcement under Malaysia’s anti-littering laws.
According to Malaysia’s waste management agency Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Corporation, the first Singaporean suspect — a 40-year-old man — is scheduled to be charged on April 1. He will also be the first Singaporean to face such charges in the state of Johor.
Court proceedings for the 15 suspects are expected to begin on March 28, while five individuals have already begun serving community service orders.
Stricter Enforcement Under New Law
Authorities in Malaysia have recently intensified action against littering following the strengthening of regulations under Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Act 2007 (Act 672).
Under the enhanced legislation, offenders — including tourists — may be ordered to carry out up to 12 hours of community service within a six-month period. They may also face fines of up to RM2,000.
Community service tasks can include collecting rubbish, cleaning public areas, cutting grass and clearing cobwebs.
Earlier Case In Kuala Lumpur
In a separate incident earlier this year, a 25-year-old Singaporean man became the first person charged under the new regulations after throwing a cigarette butt in a public area instead of a designated bin.
The Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court ordered him to complete four hours of community service and imposed a fine of RM1,500 (about RM1,550).
