754 detained for littering since January, 478 to be charged in court – Nga Kor Ming
IPOH, Feb 14, 2026 – Enforcement against littering offences has intensified nationwide, with 754 individuals detained under the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Act 2007 (Act 672) since the start of the year, and 478 of them set to face prosecution.
Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said the figures demonstrate the government’s firm commitment to upholding public cleanliness standards and eliminating the culture of indiscriminate waste disposal.
Of the total detained, 137 were foreign nationals, while the remainder were Malaysians.
“As of this morning, 754 individuals have been detained for littering offences and 478 will be charged in court. Enforcement is no longer merely a warning — it is decisive action,” he said.
Nga made the remarks during the Kasih Madani contribution ceremony in Tambun, held in conjunction with Chinese New Year and Ramadan at SMJK Yuk Choy.
He also revealed that, for the first time in enforcement history under Act 672, 15 offenders were sentenced to six hours of community service in addition to a RM1,500 fine.
The community service involved public cleaning duties such as sweeping roads, clearing drains and maintaining public toilets — measures aimed at instilling direct awareness of environmental responsibility.
Enforcement as civic education
Nga stressed that community service sentences serve not only as punishment but as a form of civic education.
He noted that public cleanliness is directly linked to disease prevention and overall quality of life.
“We want the public to understand that cleanliness is not optional; it is a shared obligation. If attitudes do not change, legal action will continue,” he said.
He also encouraged students to take the lead in promoting responsible behaviour, noting that community service orders have now become part of enforcement measures.
In a separate development, Nga announced that RM1 million in Special Madani Aid was channelled to 3,000 students from 16 schools within the Tambun constituency ahead of the festive season.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim attended the event and presented RM300 to each eligible student.
The contribution, sponsored by Yayasan Berjaya Cares, aims to ease financial burdens for families, particularly those in the B40 income group, during major festive periods.
Nga emphasised that the Kasih Madani programme represents more than symbolic assistance, reflecting the government’s broader commitment to social welfare and community well-being.
-wilayah.com.my
