KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 42 notices of offence were issued to individuals found littering following full enforcement against minor littering offences in public areas under the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Act 2007.
Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Corporation (SWCorp) chief executive officer Khalid Mohamed said that of the total, 24 involved Malaysians, while 18 involved foreigners, during an operation dubbed Op Cegah that was conducted at 11 locations in conjunction with the New Year celebrations.
The offenders were found to have disposed of, placed, or left waste such as cigarette butts, water bottles, drink cans, plastics, tissues, and food wrappers in public areas and on roads during the operation, which was carried out from 12.01am to 3am today.
“All offenders will be investigated and brought to court for further action in accordance with the applicable legal provisions,” he said in a statement today.
The Act, which takes effect today, provides for a maximum fine of RM2,000 and 12 hours of community service for littering in public areas, with a maximum of four hours per day.
The implementation of community service aims to educate offenders and raise civic awareness while encouraging them to be more responsible and mindful in maintaining environmental cleanliness.
Khalid added that the implementation of Op Cegah emphasises SWCorp’s commitment to ensuring public cleanliness through firm, integrated, and effective enforcement.
He also said the operation is not merely a seasonal initiative conducted for the New Year celebrations, but will continue consistently through ongoing monitoring at the state level.
He called on all members of society to dispose of their waste in the bins provided, comply with the law, and make cleanliness a way of life, as urban cleanliness is a shared responsibility.
“With firm enforcement, along with the support and cooperation of the public, SWCorp is confident that these efforts can create cleaner, better-managed, and healthier urban environments for the well-being of Malaysians.”
