MPMA Hails Landmark Law Requiring Litterbugs To 'Clean Up Their Act'

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 4 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Plastics Manufacturers Association (MPMA) has expressed strong support for the passing of the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management (Amendment) Bill 2025, which empowers courts to impose up to 12 hours of community service on littering offenders.

MPMA president CC Cheah said it was a bold and progressive step by the Housing and Local Government Ministry (KPKT) that shifts enforcement from punishment to public education and community amends.

“By engaging offenders in meaningful cleanup efforts, this law transforms irresponsible behaviour into a learning experience. MPMA applauds YB Nga Kor Ming and KPKT for this landmark legislation,” he said in a statement today.

The Bill, passed by the Dewan Rakyat on July 22, also provides for fines ranging between RM2,000 and RM10,000 for non-compliance.

Under the amendment, offenders will assist municipal workers in tasks such as road sweeping, drainage clearing and toilet sanitation while wearing identifiable vests, serving as a visible reminder of the consequences of littering and encouraging civic responsibility.

Cheah added that the law ensures assignments are fair and considerate of the offender’s physical and mental condition.

He said MPMA’s environmental initiatives already reflect the spirit of the new law, noting that since 2015, the association has led its flagship “Don’t Be a Litterbug” campaign to tackle littering through public engagement and behaviour change.

These efforts include checkpoints at public events to encourage bin usage and waste separation at source, community outreach and education to build lifelong anti-littering habits, as well as collaborations with local councils and youth groups to promote cleanliness at the grassroots level.

The campaign runs annually across MPMA branches in Johor, Penang, Perak, Sabah and Sarawak, he said, Cheah said, adding that in support of the national agenda, MPMA will collaborate with KPKT on Malaysia Cleaning Day 2025 in Port Dickson on Sept 27.

The nationwide event is expected to draw participation from industry partners, non-governmental organisations, schools and concerned citizens, making it a powerful symbol of shared responsibility.

“Our efforts are not just industry-driven but are people-driven. We believe real change happens when communities and industries work hand-in-hand. MPMA is proud to support the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) vision for a cleaner, healthier future,” he said.

MPMA will also continue to collaborate with policymakers, local authorities and civil society to expand community-based anti-littering activities nationwide, promote responsible plastics use while reducing environmental leakage, and strengthen public education through its outreach programmes and campaigns.

-- BERNAMA