Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming has issued a final reminder that community service penalties for littering offences will be enforced starting Jan 1, 2026, as part of tougher measures to curb littering in public areas.
He said enforcement officers have been instructed to strictly implement the new ruling, which is aimed at improving public cleanliness and fostering civic responsibility.
“Anyone, including foreigners, who is caught littering in public places will face a RM2,000 fine and be required to perform 12 hours of public cleaning work,” he said in a statement on his Facebook page.
Nga reiterated that maintaining cleanliness in urban areas is a shared responsibility and should not fall solely on the government or local authorities. He expressed disappointment that littering remains prevalent, especially in city centres and public spaces.
“Malaysia is moving towards developed nation status and will be hosting Visit Malaysia 2026, but irresponsible behaviour like this damages the image of our cities and the country’s reputation, particularly among tourists,” he said.
He added that his ministry, through the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Corporation (SWCorp) and local councils, remains committed to ongoing cleaning efforts and enforcement. However, he stressed that these initiatives can only succeed with greater public awareness and cooperation.
Nga urged the public to respect shared spaces during festivals and events by disposing of waste properly and adhering to the law, to help create clean, comfortable and orderly cities.
“Clean cities reflect a cultured society. Let us support the efforts of SWCorp and local authorities to ensure our cities are cleaner, more sustainable and liveable for future generations,” he said.
