Kuala Lumpur to Fine Spitting, Littering With Penalties Up to RM2,000

1 day ago 15

January 5, 2026 | 01:46 pm

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Starting in 2026, littering and spitting in Kuala Lumpur could cost offenders up to RM2,000 (about Rp8.2 million) and more than 12 hours of community service, as city authorities tighten enforcement ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026.

The stricter rules took effect on January 1, 2026, following an announcement by Nor Halizam Ismail, Director of the Health and Environment Department at Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL).

Cited by Free Malaysia Today, Nor Halizam said DBKL has begun routine anti-littering and anti-spitting operations across the capital as part of efforts to improve the city’s image for the international tourism campaign.

Enforcement teams are focusing on high-traffic areas, particularly popular tourist destinations, where violations such as discarding cigarette butts, plastic bottles, and spitting on sidewalks are most common.

“Our goal is not only to punish, but also to educate the public to be more disciplined and to respect public spaces together,” Nor Halizam said, as quoted by Bernama.

Four Litter-Free Zones

As part of the initiative, DBKL has designated four litter-free zones: Jalan Bukit Bintang, Dataran Merdeka, Jalan Tun Perak, and the commercial district of Brickfields. These areas will be subject to intensified monitoring and enforcement.

The regulations apply not only to the public but also to business operators. DBKL has warned that it will take firm action against owners and contractors of eateries and public facilities that fail to meet cleanliness standards.

The city regularly inspects around 7,450 food outlets to prevent food contamination and curb the spread of disease vectors such as rats and cockroaches.

“DBKL also takes the cleanliness of public toilets seriously and will conduct monitoring from time to time or whenever complaints are received,” Nor Halizam said.

The tougher stance follows public backlash after a video showing piles of trash along Bukit Bintang during the Christmas holiday went viral on social media.

In response, Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming issued a strong warning, urging the public to stop littering and support efforts to keep Kuala Lumpur clean.

City officials hope the combination of fines, community service, and public education will encourage better habits, ensuring that Kuala Lumpur presents a cleaner, more welcoming face to visitors in 2026 and beyond.

Read: World's Tallest Roller Coaster Opens at Six Flags Saudi Arabia

Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News

Today's Top 3 News: Singaporean Tourists to Benefit from Johor Bahru-Kuala Lumpur Electric Train Service

31 hari lalu

Today's Top 3 News: Singaporean Tourists to Benefit from Johor Bahru-Kuala Lumpur Electric Train Service

Here is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today.

Singaporean Tourists to Benefit from Johor Bahru-Kuala Lumpur Electric Train Service

33 hari lalu

Singaporean Tourists to Benefit from Johor Bahru-Kuala Lumpur Electric Train Service

The electric train route from Johor Bahru to Kuala Lumpur could benefit tourists from Singapore. Operating from December 12, 2025.

Foreign Minister Denies TV Error Prompted Prabowo's Early Exit from ASEAN Summit

29 Oktober 2025

Foreign Minister Denies TV Error Prompted Prabowo's Early Exit from ASEAN Summit

Foreign Minister Sugiono responded to speculation regarding President Prabowo Subianto's early return from the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur.

ASEAN Trade Deal Expected to Boost Regional Resilience to Global Dynamics

27 Oktober 2025

ASEAN Trade Deal Expected to Boost Regional Resilience to Global Dynamics

The Trade Minister said the ATIGA Upgrade signifies the joint commitment of ASEAN nations to build a modern, inclusive, and sustainable trading system

ASEAN Summit 2025 in Malaysia: What to Expect in This Summit

27 Oktober 2025