January 9, 2026 | 10:15 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Malaysian government has started implementing penalties for littering as of January 1, 2026. On the first two days of the new year, the authorities apprehended 120 violators under Ops Cegah, consisting of 86 locals and 34 foreigners, as reported by Asia One.
The penalties for littering are intended to protect the country's tourism image ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026. The Malaysian government aims to make the country cleaner than Singapore, a nation known for its strict waste management.
"We want Singapore to be clean, but Malaysia to be even cleaner," said Malaysia's Minister of Housing and Local Government, Nga Kor Ming, as quoted by the Bernama news agency.
Among the violators detained until January 5, a total of six Singaporeans have been fined for littering in public places in Johor Bahru.
According to the new regulations in Malaysia that took effect on January 1, individuals brought to court for littering or spitting will be fined RM2,000 or approximately 8.3 million Rupiah and be subjected to up to 12 hours of community service.
These penalties follow amendments to Act 672, which the Dewan Rakyat (Malaysia's House of Representatives) passed in August 2025 and submitted to the Dewan Negara (Malaysia's Senate) in the same month.
Law enforcement covers tourist destinations including Johor, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Perlis, Kedah, as well as the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya.
Singapore, famous for its litter-free streets, was awarded the cleanest tourist city in the world last year by the U.S.-based Eagle Dumpster Rental. Signs prohibiting littering are widespread throughout the island nation, with violators facing fines of up to S$1,000 (approximately Rp13 million) for the first offense, and repeat offenders may be fined up to S$2,000 (approximately Rp26 million). Offenders may also be issued a Corrective Work Order as part of the punishment.
Read: Malaysia: Kelantan Residents Allowed to Mine Gold
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Indonesian Health Minister Explains Why Disaster Volunteers Entered Sumatra via Malaysia
1 hari lalu
Indonesian Health Minister diverts volunteer flights through Malaysia to reach the disaster site in Sumatra.
Malaysia: Kelantan Residents Allowed to Mine Gold
1 hari lalu
Malaysia's Kelantan residents can now apply for manual gold panning permits in four districts.
Malaysia Pledges Anti-Corruption Campaign Amid 1MDB Anger
2 hari lalu
Malaysia is gearing up for major reforms following the latest verdict against ex-PM Najib Razak over the 1MDB corruption scandal.
Malaysia Installs New Army Chief as Predecessor Faces Corruption Allegations
2 hari lalu
Gen. Azhan Md Othman was appointed as the head of the Malaysian Army due to his predecessor being investigated for corruption.
Kuala Lumpur to Fine Spitting, Littering With Penalties Up to RM2,000
3 hari lalu
The stricter measures come after a viral video showed Bukit Bintang, one of Kuala Lumpur's busiest districts, strewn with rubbish.
Malaysia, China Call on U.S. to Release Venezuela's Maduro
4 hari lalu
Malaysia and China are pressing the United States to immediately release Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife
Malaysian PM Outlines Israel's Motives Behind Somaliland Recognition
8 hari lalu
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said that Israel wants to relocate Palestinians to Somaliland.
New Year Celebration in Malaysia: 7 Best Spots to Ring in 2026
8 hari lalu
Join the most festive New Year celebrations in Malaysia, from KLCC to Penang, and ring in a new chapter with dazzling fireworks, festivals, and more.
Thailand Releases 18 Cambodian Soldiers After Ceasefire Deal
8 hari lalu
Thailand freed 18 Cambodian soldiers Wednesday after 155 days in detention, following a renewed border ceasefire.
Malaysia's Public Holiday 2026: Full Calendar & Travel Tips
10 hari lalu
Discover your handy guide to Malaysia's public holiday 2026 to help you plan a smooth trip, complete with key dates and practical travel tips.
