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New Straits Times

Courts to weigh physical, mental state before ordering littering community service

KUALA LUMPUR: The Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management (Amendment) Bill 2025 allows the court to consider the physical and mental condition of those convicted of littering before issuing community service orders. Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said under the amendment, the court must also explain to those convicted the implications of the community service order and the consequences of failing to comply with it. He said the proposed implementation of the measure would be through the introduction of Section 77B, which involves eight new subsections under it. "It also requires any authorised officer, following a community service order issued by the court to determine the time and place for the community service to be carried out, as well as the type of service to be performed. "The officer is also responsible for informing the convicted person of the time, place and type of community service to be undertaken," he said when tabling the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Bill (Amendment) 2025 for its second reading in Dewan Rakyat. The amendment would see litterbugs be made to clean drains, sweep roads and wash public toilets alongside cleaners engaged by local authorities. Those who failed to comply with a community service order would be committing an offence and, upon conviction, be fined between RM2,000 and RM10,000. Nga said the amendment to the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Act was aimed at addressing the disposal of litters such as cigarette butts, tissues, plastic, drink cans, food wrappers and similar items. "The habit of indiscriminately disposing of solid waste or small litter among the public, particularly as the nation rapidly advances in physical development, is a matter of concern. "While the government continues to enhance solid waste management services annually, fostering a culture of cleanliness remains a challenge without a shift in public mindset. "As such, the amendment to the act is crucial to instilling greater civic responsibility, increasing public awareness, and nurturing a culture of cleanliness, ultimately contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable Malaysia." A total of 14 members of parliament are set to take part in the debate. Nation Feb 23, 2025 @ 3:10am Litterbugs beware: Community service penalty expected to begin this year Nation Feb 28, 2025 @ 6:47am Parliamentary Services Act to enable "hybrid" administrative model Nation Feb 28, 2025 @ 6:32am 'New Parliamentary Services Act won't negatively impact parliament staff' Nation Feb 8, 2025 @ 4:49am SWCorp to appoint company to review waste management in Penang - Chow