Latest news with #civicresponsibility
Free Malaysia Today
2 days ago
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Litterbugs face 12 hours of community service under proposed law
Housing and local government minister Nga Kor Ming said heavier penalties are needed to combat persistent littering and foster civic responsibility. PETALING JAYA : Litterbugs may soon be slapped with up to 12 hours of court-ordered community service under proposed amendments to the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Act 2007. Housing and local government minister Nga Kor Ming said the tougher penalty aims to address persistent public littering and instil civic responsibility among Malaysians. 'Based on records of the amount of litter collected, it is clear that the fines imposed by local authorities are no longer a deterrent for offenders from repeating this bad habit. 'Therefore, the courts will have the power to order community service of up to 12 hours, in addition to a fine,' he told the Dewan Rakyat when tabling the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing (Amendment) Bill 2025 today. Nga said the proposed amendments would also cover minor acts of littering, such as throwing cigarette butts, tissues, plastic and drink cans in public spaces or on public roads. The bill will also broaden the definition of solid waste to include reusable items like plastic bags and bottles. He said the stronger laws are necessary as Malaysia takes on a global leadership role in environmental efforts. 'As the president (of the UN-Habitat Assembly), Malaysia must show commitment towards environmental sustainability. We aim for a zero-waste culture that includes recycling, reducing and reusing,' he said. Nga said countries such as the US, UK, Japan, South Korea, the UAE, Australia, the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia and Singapore have implemented similar measures. 'Despite our country's progress, there are still many who throw rubbish irresponsibly. We want to shape a society that values cleanliness and is responsible,' he said. The amendments, covering four clauses, apply to Peninsular Malaysia and Labuan. Sabah and Sarawak may adopt them through their own ordinances.
New York Times
5 days ago
- Politics
- New York Times
Should Teens Vote?
Britain is about to add up to a million and a half people to its voter rolls. Some lean left, some lean right and others don't care about politics at all. But all of them are 16 or 17 years old. Liberals are thrilled with the plan, which lawmakers announced yesterday; conservatives are outraged. In planning to lower the national voting age before the next general election, Britain joins a small but growing club of nations willing to test the boundaries of electoral inclusion. Brazil, an early adopter, cut its voting age to 16 in 1988. Austria, Argentina and Malta followed suit in the 2000s. Most recently, Germany and Belgium decided to let 16- and 17-year-olds vote in some elections but not others. Places where the voting age in national elections is ... 16 years old 17 18 20 21 25 Lebanon Austria United States Greece United Arab Emirates Taiwan Cuba Nicaragua Oman Ecuador Sudan Brazil Indonesia Cameroon Argentina 16 years old 17 18 20 21 25 Lebanon Austria United States Greece United Arab Emirates Taiwan Cuba Nicaragua Oman Ecuador Sudan Brazil Indonesia Cameroon Argentina Notes: Based on 234 countries or territories with available data. Places with no data are in gray. Sources: C.I.A. World Factbook; ACE Electoral Knowledge Network By The New York Times Beneath these changes lies a fundamental question: At what age does civic responsibility begin? Today, I explain the debate and look at how it is reshaping some democracies, including America's. Who's ready? Legal codes are filled with age minimums. In the United States, you must be 18 to serve in the military, 21 to drink alcohol and 35 to run for president. Sometimes, these are built on easy-to-understand ideas. Alcohol, for instance, is meant only for people who are likely to drink responsibly. The right to vote follows from the notion that governments draw their legitimacy from the consent of the governed. When can someone give that consent? Experts offer different answers to the question. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
