“This measure is necessary as the issue of indiscriminate littering remains a concern, despite Malaysia’s progress towards becoming a developed nation,” he said at a ministry event, Bernama reported.

“In order to enhance enforcement action, a community service penalty should be imposed on those convicted of littering,” he said.

Nga said the penalties would be implemented via amendments to the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Act, the Streets, Drainage and Building Act 1974 , and the Local Government Act 1976.

He said that he hopes to table the proposed amendments in the Dewan Rakyat in the first quarter of next year.

Nga said enforcement action on littering offences was carried out by the local authorities; however, the laws do not include provisions for community service penalties.

Nga said fines had not been effective in preventing repeat offences.

He said these amendments would provide a clear legal basis for the federal government to regulate littering activities and implement community service penalties effectively.