Penang will enforce a tougher anti-litter regime from 1 July, state officials confirmed, after a six-month delay intended to give local authorities time to prepare enforcement teams and public education programmes.
Penang anti-litter law changes and penalties
The decision, announced by H’ng Mooi Lye, Chair of the State Committee for Local Government, Town and Country Planning and Rural Development, follows a resolution by the State Executive Council on 17 December. The delay gave the two city councils in Penang — the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) and the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) — a window to establish mechanisms for issuing fines and managing enforcement.
The amendments to the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Act 2007 (Act 672) introduce stiffer penalties. First-time offenders may face fines of up to RM2,000 and mandatory community service of up to 12 hours. Offenders could also be ordered to clean public areas while wearing a distinct vest to signal their role in restorative work. Failure to comply with community service orders or court directions could increase fines up to a maximum of RM10,000.
H’ng said both councils would form special teams to study which offences attract particular summonses and to refine other enforcement details. The teams will also oversee public education and outreach initiatives aimed at reducing littering through awareness and behavioural change, rather than relying solely on punishment.
Local councils to balance enforcement with education
Officials indicated the emphasis will be on a combination of enforcement and education. Council teams are expected to run outreach campaigns in neighbourhoods, schools and markets to explain the new rules and the rationale behind the tougher penalties. The staged approach seeks to avoid abrupt disruption while signalling the state government’s intent to lift cleanliness standards in public spaces.
Public reaction to the announcement was mixed in some quarters, with supporters welcoming stricter measures as necessary to improve public hygiene and urban aesthetics. Others urged a measured roll-out to ensure fair and consistent enforcement across different communities.
Related infrastructure work and hawker relocations
At the same event, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow updated reporters on progress with the LRT Mutiara project, Penang’s first light rail transit line. He said relocation of hawkers affected by construction is currently underway and that contractors will only begin work in sections once obstacles have been cleared. Where relocations are still in progress, contractors will either carry out other works or wait until the sites are ready.
Chow said temporary facilities and new premises are being built to house displaced traders, and owners will be offered the licences required to trade at the new locations. He added that affected business owners have generally accepted that the LRT is a public infrastructure project and have cooperated with relocation plans. Mainline construction is expected to begin later this year.
The enforcement of the revised anti-litter rules and the LRT relocations reflect Penang’s twin aims of improving urban cleanliness and delivering major public transport upgrades. Authorities say the combined measures are intended to raise living standards and support the state’s longer-term development plans.
Key Takeaways:
- Penang will implement stricter anti-litter measures from 1 July, with councils forming special teams to prepare enforcement and public education.
- Amendments to the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Act 2007 introduce higher fines and mandatory community service for offenders.
- Authorities may require offenders to clean public areas wearing identifiable vests and impose fines up to RM10,000 for non-compliance.
- Separately, relocation of hawkers affected by the LRT Mutiara project is underway with new facilities and licences to be provided.
