Kuala lumpur: Enforcement actions taken during the Rain Rave Water Music Festival in Bukit Bintang demonstrate the government's commitment to maintaining cleanliness at public hotspots, especially during Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, SWCorp chief executive officer Datuk Khalid Mohamed stated that 68 Notices of Offence (NPK) were issued for littering during operations from April 30 to May 2. He noted that the most frequent offence was the improper disposal of cigarette butts, despite the availability of rubbish bins throughout the festival site.
"This enforcement is not merely to penalise offenders but to educate the public that cleanliness is a shared responsibility," Khalid emphasized. He mentioned that those penalised were mostly aged between 15 and 40, including foreign nationals working in the country. These comments were made during a press briefing after assessing the implementation of the 8th series of the Community Service Order (PKM).
Khalid further elaborated that the 8th series of the PKM was conducted simultaneously in Pahang, Johor, and Melaka, involving 55 offenders who served sentences ranging from two to four hours. In Kedah, there were 24 offenders, with 22 at the current location and two at Pantai Cenang, Langkawi. The offenders, aged 19 to 55, included civil servants and polytechnic students.
He warned that the government will not tolerate repeat offenders, highlighting that stricter penalties could be imposed, including fines up to RM3,000 under local authority (PBT) by-laws. Offenders could also face action under the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Act 2007 (Act 672), which carries a PKM penalty of up to 12 hours.
Khalid added that to date, 6,000 individuals have received NPKs for littering across seven states under Act 672 enforcement, including 1,653 foreign nationals. In conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2026, he said SWCorp and local authorities will bolster enforcement at tourist destinations and public focal points to ensure the country's cleanliness standards align with those of developed nations.
"We want this culture of cleanliness to become a collective responsibility, rather than resting solely on the shoulders of the government," he concluded.