Don’t Litter At New Year’s Parties Or You Could End Up Doing 12 Hours Of Community Service

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Litterbugs ushering in the New Year should leave their bad habits behind in 2025, as the government will begin enforcing a new law that imposes heavier penalties for littering

According to Bernama, Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming issued a final reminder that stricter enforcement against littering in public places will come into force on Thursday, 1 January 2026.

He said he has instructed officers to uphold the new law, which aims to strengthen public cleanliness and civic responsibility.

"Anyone, including foreigners, who throws rubbish in public places will be fined RM2,000 and sentenced to 12 hours of public cleansing work," he was qouted as saying on Sunday, 28 December.

Nga said his ministry, through the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Corporation (SWCorp) and local authorities, will be responsible for enforcing the law and carrying out cleaning operations nationwide.

However, he stressed that the success of efforts to create a clean society ultimately depends on public awareness and cooperation.

Nga urged everyone to respect public spaces during festivities or events by disposing of waste responsibly and complying with the law, to keep cities clean, comfortable, and orderly.

"Clean cities reflect a cultured society. Let us support the efforts of SWCorp and local authorities in ensuring our cities are cleaner, sustainable, and liveable for the next generation," said the minister.

The Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Act (Amendment) 2025 was passed in July

Under the Section 77 of the amended Act, litterring is considered an offence on public roads, including federal and state roads, highways, bridges, tunnels, and any infrastructure connected to roadways.

Section 77(B)(1) stipulates that the 12-hour community service sentence must be completed within a six-month period.

Offenders must commit to the order as long as they are are physically and metally fit to complete the task. They must also be informed of the purpose of the community service order and the consequences of failing to comply.

An authorised officer will supervice the offender during the community service. Nga previously said offenders would be required to wear a "special vest" while carrying out tasks such as picking up litter in public spaces, cleaning drains, and washing public toilets.

On 25 December, the minister shared photos of litter-strewn streets in Bukit Bintang following Christmas Eve celebrations and warned the public to keep public spaces clean or face enforcement action under the new law.