SWCORP TO INTENSIFY ANTI-LITTERING ENFORCEMENT IN PUBLIC PLACES

JASIN, Jan 10 (Bernama) -- The Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Corporation (SWCorp) is stepping up law enforcement against errant members of the public including tourists, found littering in public areas.

SWCorp chief executive officer Khalid Mohamed said this included strengthening strategic cooperation with the Malaysian Immigration Department to ensure that no individual escapes legal action.

He said information on individuals who defaulted, including those who have returned to their country of origin, would be channelled to the Immigration Department for further action, including entry restrictions or appropriate action in the future, in line with existing legal provisions.

“The measure aims to ensure that action against individuals who are issued with Notices of Offence (NPK) can be taken even if they have left the country.

“To date, a total of 261 notices have been issued in states that have adopted the Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Act 2007 (Act 672) since its implementation began at 12.01 midnight, Jan 1, with 186 cases involving locals and 75 foreigners,” he told reporters here today.

Earlier, Khalid attended the World Habitat Day and Marine Mangrove Reserve Conservation Day Programme Melaka Executive Edition 2026 at the Marine Mangrove Reserve, Pantai Sebatu Fishermen’s Jetty, Merlimau.

Commenting further, Khalid said investigation papers were prepared for all the cases involved, with some of them submitted to the deputy public prosecutor, while some cases were registered in court for trial purposes.

Khalid said that apart from fines, the court also may impose a Community Service Order as an additional punishment for a period not exceeding six months, involving a total work of not more than 12 hours with a maximum limit of four hours per day.

“As for the implementation in Melaka, a total of 17 enforcement operations have been carried out with 20 cases recorded involving 14 locals and six foreigners,” he said.

Meanwhile, Khalid said the programme reflected SWCorp’s commitment in fostering environmental awareness involving about 100 participants comprising SWCorp employees with 50 mangrove saplings planted as an effort to conserve the coastal ecosystem.

-- BERNAMA