Fines and Community Service Now in Force
From 1 January, anyone caught littering or spitting in public places in Kuala Lumpur can be fined up to RM2,000 and ordered to perform more than 12 hours of community service within six months.
According to Bernama, the move is part of tougher enforcement linked to Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026), with Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) stepping up anti-littering and anti-spitting operations across the capital.
DBKL Health and Environment Department director Dr Nor Halizam Ismail said enforcement will focus on tourist hotspots, where offences such as throwing cigarette butts, discarding drink bottles and spitting on walkways are commonly reported.
“Our aim is not merely to punish, but to educate the public to be more disciplined and to respect shared public spaces,” she said during an appearance on Bernama TV’s Apa Khabar Malaysia.
Four Areas Declared Litter-Free Zones
DBKL has designated four litter-free zones to strengthen Kuala Lumpur’s image as a clean and orderly city:
- Jalan Bukit Bintang
- Dataran Merdeka
- Jalan Tun Perak
- Brickfields commercial area
These areas will see tighter monitoring and enforcement.
Cleanliness Checks at Food Premises and Toilets
Authorities will also not compromise on hygiene standards at food premises and public toilets.
According to Nor Halizam, DBKL continuously monitors around 7,450 food premises to prevent food contamination and the breeding of disease vectors such as rats and cockroaches.
Public toilets will also be inspected periodically or whenever complaints are received, as part of efforts to ensure comfort for both locals and tourists.
Community Service Orders Officially Take Effect
Separately, the Community Service Order under the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Act 2007 comes into force on 1 January as an additional penalty for minor littering offences.
The Housing and Local Government Ministry said enforcement will apply in Johor, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Perlis, Kedah, as well as the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya.
For Penang, Selangor, Kelantan and Terengganu, implementation will begin once approved by the respective state authorities.
The measure follows amendments passed by Parliament in August 2025, and will be enforced alongside the Street, Drainage and Building Act 1974 (Act 133) and the Local Government Act 1976 (Act 171).
What Offenders May be Ordered to do
Those convicted may be required to complete up to 12 hours of community service within six months, including:
- Collecting solid waste
- Washing public areas
- Cutting grass
- Clearing cobwebs
The work will be scheduled and supervised by authorised officers.
Failure to comply, resisting orders or absconding is a separate offence, punishable by fines of RM2,000 to RM10,000.
The ministry said the measure is meant to build public awareness, responsibility and respect for environmental cleanliness, rather than serve as punishment alone.
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