Repeated Litterbugs May Soon be Punished by Being Required to Clean Up Public Toilets & Drains

Rubbish is a huge problem in Malaysia, with districts in KL and Selangor producing some 10,000 tonnes of waste per day. According to The Straits Times, agencies and environmental activists have warned that Malaysia will have no space for rubbish by 2050 if nothing is done to reduce waste. Rubbish along the country's streets is also an eyesore, especially when inconsiderate folks drop trash anywhere they like.

To combat litterbugs, the Housing and Local Government Ministry has announced that it is mulling a new law that would compel those who litter habitually to carry out community service.

If you are a litterbug who thinks you will only be slapped with a fine, think again. You may be made to do community service and clean up drains, roads, and public toilets. If you think using a public toilet is gross enough, imagine actually having to use a brush to clean a toilet bowl!

To make things worse and to add to the embarrassment, these people will be made to wear a special uniform to perform their tasks.

According to The Star, Nga Kor Ming, the Minister of Housing and Local Government of Malaysia, said this measure will be part of proposed amendments to the Local Government Act 1976 to deter repeat offenders. This law is dubbed the Social Work Order.

Hari Cuci Malaysia. ♥️??28hb September, 8am-8pm, 156 PBT.Marilah kita mencipta sejarah bersama :1. Bil paling ramai ambil bahagian dlm gotong royong.✅2. Kutipan sampah paling tinggi.✅3. Jangka masa gotong royong paling lama.✅Malaysia Madani kita bina bersama! pic.twitter.com/QU4ZM2MJzO
— Nga Kor Ming (@NgaKorMing) September 26, 2024

“These offenders have been punished by the law and issued compounds. However, they have not been deterred by the penalties. So, we will ensure these repeat offenders participate in cleaning drains and roads while wearing special t-shirts," Nga said.

“Cleanliness is everyone’s responsibility. All Malaysians have an education. Civic awareness is compulsory. If you don’t like rubbish in your house, you shouldn’t throw it everywhere,” he added.

Nga has explained that similar measures have been effective in countries like Norway, Sweden, and Singapore. After receiving Cabinet approval next year, the amendments will be presented in the Dewan Rakyat.

Visit Malaysia Year 2026 is coming up, so let’s make the country cleaner and more beautiful by then! People who litter can be dubbed ‘sampah masyarakat’!

Featured Image Credit: Astro Awani, 123RF