Melaka: The Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Corporation (SWCorp) is ramping up law enforcement against individuals, including tourists, who are found littering in public areas. SWCorp chief executive officer Khalid Mohamed announced initiatives to strengthen cooperation with the Malaysian Immigration Department to ensure that offenders do not evade legal action.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Khalid stated that information on individuals who have defaulted, including those who have returned to their home countries, will be shared with the Immigration Department. This collaboration aims to facilitate entry restrictions or other legal actions in line with existing laws, ensuring that individuals who receive Notices of Offence can be held accountable even if they have left Malaysia.
Since the implementation of the Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Act 2007 (Act 672) began at 12:01 a.m. on January 1, a total of 261 notices have been issued across states that have adopted the act. These include 186 cases involving locals and 75 cases involving foreigners. Khalid provided this information during a press briefing at the World Habitat Day and Marine Mangrove Reserve Conservation Day Programme Melaka Executive Edition 2026 at the Marine Mangrove Reserve, Pantai Sebatu Fishermen's Jetty, Merlimau.
Further elaborating, Khalid mentioned that investigation papers have been prepared for all cases, with some submitted to the deputy public prosecutor and others registered in court for trial. The court may impose fines or a Community Service Order as additional punishment, not exceeding six months, with a maximum of 12 hours of work over four hours per day.
In Melaka alone, 17 enforcement operations have been conducted, resulting in 20 cases, including 14 locals and six foreigners. Khalid noted that these efforts are part of SWCorp's broader commitment to enhancing environmental awareness. The recent program involved about 100 participants, including SWCorp employees, and featured the planting of 50 mangrove saplings to help conserve the coastal ecosystem.