More than 1,000 individuals have been arrested and given community service for littering nationwide this year, with the order showing a positive impact on public cleanliness.

PUTRAJAYA: More than 1,000 individuals nationwide have been arrested and subjected to Community Service Orders for littering in public places since the beginning of the year.

Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said the enforcement under the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Act 2007 has proven effective in improving public cleanliness.

“We will implement community service sentences in phases, and I can see a significant positive impact on public cleanliness, especially as we prepare for Visit Malaysia Year 2026,” he told reporters after an event here today.

The programme was also attended by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, Public Service director-general Tan Sri Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz and Treasury secretary-general Datuk Johan Mahmood Merican.

The Community Service Orders under Act 672 are being enforced as a punitive measure to address minor littering offences in public areas.

The ministry announced that the implementation currently covers Johor, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Perlis and Kedah, as well as the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya.

Enforcement in Penang, Selangor, Kelantan and Terengganu will begin once approval is obtained from the respective state authorities, as they have not yet adopted the Act.

On broader reforms, Nga said the ministry is also introducing night-time cleaning operations and the gradual conversion of garbage trucks to electric vehicles.

 The Sun Malaysia