DBKL To Intensify Anti-Littering And Cleanliness Ops For VM2026

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 30 (Bernama) -- Watch out! Starting Jan 1, anyone caught littering or spitting in public places around the capital will face compound fines of up to RM2,000, in addition to being ordered to perform more than 12 hours of community service over six months.

Kuala Lumpur City Hall’s (DBKL) Health and Environment Department director Dr Nor Halizam Ismail said in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026), DBKL will step up enforcement through regular anti-littering and anti-spitting operations across Kuala Lumpur.

The operations will focus on tourist hotspots to curb bad habits among locals and tourists who often dispose of small litter such as cigarette butts and drink bottles in public areas, as well as spit on walkways, which not only dirties the surroundings but also tarnishes the country’s image.

“The compounds we issue can reach up to RM2,000, depending on the offence committed. Our aim is not merely to punish, but also to educate the public to be more disciplined and to respect the shared public spaces,” she said.

She was speaking as a guest on Bernama TV’s Apa Khabar Malaysia programme here today.

Nor Halizam said DBKL has also designated four litter-free zones covering Jalan Bukit Bintang, Dataran Merdeka, Jalan Tun Perak and the Brickfields commercial area, to further strengthen the image of a clean and orderly city.

She added that DBKL will not compromise on cleanliness standards at food premises and public toilets around Kuala Lumpur.

She said owners and contractors would face action if found to have failed to comply with the prescribed hygiene standards.

“We monitor about 7,450 food premises at all times to ensure there is no food contamination or breeding of disease vectors such as rats, cockroaches and the like.

“DBKL also takes public toilet cleanliness seriously and will conduct monitoring from time to time or whenever complaints are received,” she said, stressing that the measures are important to ensure the comfort of tourists and locals visiting the capital. 

Nor Halizam urged the public to play their part in keeping the city clean by disposing of rubbish properly and complying with hygiene regulations, as people’s attitudes and behaviour reflect their country’s image.

Meanwhile, commenting on the launch of the ‘I LITE U’ event, she said it will be held on Jan 3 next year at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur as the curtain-raiser for VM2026.

According to her, the programme is spearheaded by DBKL in collaboration with the Ministry of Housing and Local Government, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture and the Prime Minister’s Department.

“Among the highlights are a parade involving 16 contingents, innovative and technology-themed urban lighting projects, as well as Nusantara music and cultural performances,” she said.

In conjunction with the event, several roads around the capital will be closed, namely Jalan Bukit Bintang, Jalan Raja Sultan, Jalan Pudu and Jalan Sultan Ismail, on Jan 1 for a full rehearsal and on the launch day from 6 pm to midnight.

As such, she encouraged the public to use public transport to ease traffic congestion and to turn up in large numbers to enliven the launch celebrations.

-- BERNAMA