S'porean caught littering in Johor claims to have been collecting rubbish instead

Since Jan. 1, 2026, five Singaporeans have been caught for littering in Johor Bahru, Malaysia.

The Star reported that the Singaporeans are among 55 individuals who have been issued notices for littering offences by the Johor Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Corporation (SWCorp).

Out of the 55 people detained, 27 were Malaysians, New Straits Times reported, adding that the other 28 cases involved foreigners, including workers and tourists.

Excuses

SWCorp's director said litterbugs were caught discarding items such as cigarette butts, drink containers and tissues in public places.

He noted that the Singaporeans offered various excuses when caught.

"One said they were not throwing rubbish but were collecting it first," he said, adding that such excuses cannot be accepted as the country's law is clear.

The director added: "It is disappointing to see people throwing garbage on the ground despite standing near rubbish bins.

"We want Johor Baru to remain clean and ready to welcome guests."

Campaign for cleaner environment

The operations came on the heels of Malaysia's government fully enforcing Section 77A of the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Act (Act 672) as part of a campaign to promote a cleaner urban environment.

Bernama previously reported that SWCorp was carrying out random and comprehensive operations on individuals regardless of citizenship status.

Future plans

Moving forward, SWCorp's director said operations would continue on a scheduled basis, with teams also carrying out plainclothes surveillance.

Malay Mail reported that the director said: "The law is clear. We at SWCorp will not hesitate to take legal action against anyone to ensure that no more individuals dare to litter, including small litter in public places."

Penalties

Following the operations, two foreign nationals, a Bangladeshi and an Indonesian, are scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 23, marking the first of such cases in Malaysia under the newly-gazetted provisions of the Act.

Under the current framework, littering offences under Section 77A are not compounded and must instead go through court proceedings.

If convicted, offenders are liable to a fine of up to RM2,000 (S$632), and the court may also impose a Community Service Order.

Top photos via SWCorp Johor Bahru/Facebook and Canva