Cover image via @dewanbandarayakualalumpur (Instagram)
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As thousands of Malaysians thronged Kuala Lumpur's city centre to ring in Christmas, the merriment took a sour turn as streets were left strewn with rubbish, adding an all-too-familiar note to a recurring problem
In an Instagram post yesterday, 25 December, Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL) said cleanup operations were carried out after the celebrations to ensure the surroundings remained clean, orderly, and comfortable for everyone.
"However, there are still some individuals who indiscriminately litter, affecting cleanliness and the image of the city," DBKL said in its caption.
The city hall also shared images of popular spots like Jalan Bukit Bintang strewn with rubbish as pedestrians passed by, a garbage truck parked outside Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, and municipal workers cleaning up the streets.
Other photos showed the same areas restored to a clean and orderly state after the cleanup.
DBKL said that while the public may be enjoying the festive night atmosphere, the responsibility to maintain cleanliness must remain a priority. It reminded the public to avoid littering, use the rubbish bins provided, and take care of shared public spaces.
"Responsible behaviour from each individual can make a significant difference to the cleanliness of the city," it added.
However, such reminders are nothing new and often appear to fall on deaf ears, leaving cleanup efforts to DBKL personnel.
The condition of the streets before cleanup.
Image via @dewanbandarayakualalumpur (Instagram)
The condition of the streets after cleanup.
Image via @dewanbandarayakualalumpur (Instagram)The appeal comes at the peak of the festive season, when Bukit Bintang and nearby areas experience a surge of locals and tourists drawn by holiday decorations, shopping districts, and entertainment venues
City authorities have routinely pointed to poor civic behaviour during major festive gatherings as a key factor behind the littering problem.
Similar surges in rubbish have been reported after large New Year celebrations, where KL wakes up to streets blanketed in trash, prompting public criticism and social media backlash.
Beyond city celebrations, major religious and cultural events have also resulted in large amounts of roadside waste, requiring extensive cleanup operations by municipal workers.
Meanwhile, Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming stressed that urban cleanliness is a shared responsibility and not solely the duty of the government or local authorities.
He also expressed disappointment that littering remains common, particularly in city centres and public areas.
"It is already the 21st century; there is no reason for anyone to simply throw rubbish in public places," he said.
"Don't blame the government when we enforce the law. Grow up, please!" Nga added in a post on X.
The minister previously announced in September that from 1 January 2026, offenders caught committing minor littering offences would face community service orders of up to 12 hours within a six-month period.
Please stop littering & don't embarrass Malaysia.
— Nga Kor Ming (@NgaKorMing) December 25, 2025
It is already the 21st century, there is no reason for anyone to simply throw rubbish in public places.
It is so shameful to see such irresponsible behaviour.
Don't blame the govt when we enforce the law.
Grow up, please!! pic.twitter.com/BgAStITqh5
