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S'porean tourist among 42 to be charged in M'sia under new community service littering laws
They have to collect solid waste, wash public areas, cut grass and clear cobwebs.
January 02, 2026, 04:38 PM
Malaysia recently rolled out new punishments for litterbugs, including foreigners.
The penalties will include up to 12 hours of community service — maximum four hours a day — over a period of at most six months, in addition to fines of no more than RM2,000 (S$632).
These could include collecting solid waste, washing public areas, cutting grass and clearing cobwebs.
According to Malaysia media, this represents a policy shift from fines alone to "fostering civic responsibility and lasting behaviour change".
For now, the enforcement will cover Johor, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Perlis, Kedah, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, while other states are soon to follow, according to Malay Mail.
The enforcement of the act was implemented on Jan. 1, with 42 notices being issued.
According to Shin Min Daily News, one of these 42 offenders was a Singaporean tourist.
The tourist was found to have thrown litter outside a store at Larkin, Johor.
Offenders will be investigated and brought to court for further action.
Image from China Press and Canva
