PUTRAJAYA From next year, those repeatedly caught littering will be made to clean up streets and drains as part of their punishment.
These will be among the new community service punishments included in the Local Government Act 1976 (Act 171) which will be amended next year.
Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said the new amendment would introduce sections on community service to tackle repeat offenders.
He said under the current laws, many repeat offenders remain unrepentant despite being fined.
"We will invite repeat offenders and provide them with special T-shirts so they can participate in cleaning drains and streets," he told reporters at a press conference ahead of the pre-launch of Clean Malaysia Day: Mega Cleaning Programme, held in conjunction with World Clean Up Day 2024, today.
He said such punishments have proven effective in countries like Norway, Sweden, and Singapore.
He said the amendment would be tabled in Parliament next year after receiving cabinet approval.
"Nowadays, with social media, if we don't maintain cleanliness, foreign tourists will spread the news online, damaging the country's reputation.
"Therefore, it is important for us to begin this effort next year," he said.