Johor government to beef up anti littering by laws

JOHOR BARU - With more than 1,000 enforcement actions already taken against litterbugs in the first five months of this year, the Johor government wants to prioritise public cleanliness by strengthening anti-littering by-laws.

State housing and local government committee chairman Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor said a special meeting was recently held to review current laws and enhance enforcement efforts in all local councils.

“Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim’s decree is very clear.

“Littering, especially in rivers and public spaces, is an irresponsible act that harms the environment and drains public funds.

“Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi has also instructed immediate and coordinated action to address this issue, which has long plagued both urban and rural areas,” he said on June 14.

He criticised the careless behaviour of some individuals, noting that public money meant for development and services is being diverted to unnecessary clean-up operations.

“This isn’t just inconsiderate, it’s uncivilised. The lack of civic responsibility is costing us all,” he said.

He pledged to personally coordinate a stricter and more comprehensive enforcement strategy, adopting a zero-compromise approach to cleanliness.

Among the proposals discussed were updates to the 2024 amendments of the Cleanliness Prevention by-laws and a stricter application of Section 47 of the Street, Drainage and Building Act 1974, which allows offenders to be fined up to RM500 (S$150) for littering in public spaces.

He said the effectiveness of enforcement methods was also reviewed, including patrols in littering hotspots, the use of body-worn cameras and mobile ticketing devices, as well as collaboration with auxiliary police and other enforcement agencies.

Between January and May this year, over 1,000 actions were taken, including 181 compound notices in May alone, totalling RM161,500 in fines.

“While these numbers reflect our continued efforts, they will mean little if we fail to