Penang to enforce community service orders for littering from July 1
Penang will begin enforcing community service orders for littering and other minor offences from July 1, following a six-month preparation period focused on public education, administrative coordination and enforcement readiness.
State Local Government, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jason H’ng Mooi Lye said the state would enforce the Street, Drainage and Building (Amendment) Act 2025, known as Act A1773, instead of the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Act (Act 672), which came into effect nationwide on Jan 1. Penang has yet to adopt Act 672.
Under Act A1773, courts are empowered to impose community service orders of up to 12 hours, to be completed within six months of conviction, for minor offences. Such work may include collecting rubbish, cleaning public spaces, cutting grass or clearing cobwebs.
H’ng said the approach aims to strengthen public cleanliness and instil greater civic responsibility, rather than relying solely on fines as a deterrent. He stressed that no enforcement action would be taken during the six-month preparation period.
“Although the federal law has been enforced since Jan 1, Penang is giving time for preparation, education and the establishment of proper enforcement mechanisms,” he told reporters.
H’ng said enforcement in Penang would only begin once the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) finalise standard operating procedures, including summons issuance and supervision of community service orders.
At the federal level, Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said the stricter anti-littering measures apply to everyone, including foreigners and children. He was reported as saying that no one is exempt from the law, and anyone caught littering, spitting or discarding cigarette butts will face action. Parents or guardians, he added, will be held fully responsible for offences committed by children and will be required to settle the compound fines.
