Kuala lumpur: The Dewan Negara (Senate) has successfully passed five legislative Bills, three of which are under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT).
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the approved KPKT Bills include the Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing (Amendment) Bill 2025, the Street, Drainage and Building (Amendment) Bill 2025, and the Local Government (Amendment) Bill 2025. Additionally, the Atomic Energy Licensing (Amendment) Bill 2025 under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), and the Government Procurement Bill 2025 under the Ministry of Finance have also been sanctioned by the Senate.
The Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing (Amendment) Bill 2025 was carried by a majority vote following extensive deliberations by eight senators. Deputy Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Aiman Athirah Sabu highlighted that the bill introduces Subsection 77(B)(1), enabling courts to impose community service orders alongside fines for littering in public spaces. This amendment aims to address minor littering issues, as data indicates fines alone have not been an effective deterrent. Offenders may be required to complete up to 12 hours of community service while donning a special vest to enhance public awareness about environmental cleanliness.
In parallel, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang stated that the amendments to the Atomic Energy Licensing Act 1984 are designed to prepare Malaysia for the prospective use of nuclear energy in power generation. The bill, initially passed by the Dewan Rakyat on August 28, incorporates new offences with significant penalties, including discretionary death sentences for actions involving radioactive or nuclear materials intended to cause severe harm or environmental damage. Chang emphasized that the discretionary death penalty is consistent with principles of proportionality and exceptionality, reserved solely for serious nuclear-related offences.
The Dewan Negara session will reconvene tomorrow.