(Penang, 28th) Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming pointed out that the community service order for 'litterbugs' has achieved results since its implementation. He therefore urged states that have not yet adopted this regulation to follow suit and implement the relevant ordinance as soon as possible.
After the authorities implemented the relevant ordinance earlier this year in Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Johor, and Kelantan, 7,919 notices have already been issued to offenders.
Nga Kor Ming stated that these results are sufficient to prove that the relevant system is suitable for all regions in the country. For this reason, he encourages other states that have not yet enforced the relevant ordinance to follow the example of those six states.
In an interview with The Star, Nga said that the goal of the community service order is to educate and raise civic awareness, not just to punish.
He explained that while enforcement is necessary, its effect is limited. Therefore, the government hopes to cultivate a culture of civic consciousness, so that the people develop the habit of proper waste disposal. The community service order is a key measure in this effort.
He cited Japan and Singapore as examples, pointing out that the world-class cleanliness in these two countries is not accidental but achieved through collective civic consciousness, and that our country should also look up to them as role models.
He said that unless our people possess world-class psychological quality, it will not be possible to reach world-class status.
“A country’s progress cannot be measured only by economic development and large-scale infrastructure—the most important benchmark is having well-educated and responsible citizens.”
Currently, Perlis, Kedah, Penang, Perak, Pahang, Terengganu, Melaka, Sabah, Sarawak, and Labuan have not yet implemented the 'litterbug' community service order.
When interviewed, Penang State Executive Councillor for Local Government and Town and Country Planning, Jason H'ng, said the Penang government is still conducting due diligence on enforcement under the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Act 2007, including discussions on budget allocation, manpower distribution, and implementation details.
He said that the Penang State Executive Council agreed on November 12 last year to implement the Community Service Order by invoking the Roads, Drains and Buildings (Amendment) Act 2025.
He stated the implementation guidelines were approved by the State Executive Council on May 6, and the state will begin enforcement on July 1.
According to the Roads, Drains and Buildings (Amendment) Act 2025, offenders can be ordered to perform up to 12 hours of community service within six months, fined up to RM2,000, or both; those who disobey the order can be fined from RM2,000 to RM10,000.