From Fines to Community Service: A New Step for a Cleaner Malaysia
Did you know?
Starting 1 January 2026, Malaysia will officially introduce a more educational and corrective approach to tackle littering.
Community Service Order (PKM) —
A step towards a more civilised and responsible city.
It’s no longer just about fines.
Instead, offenders may face a Community Service Order
(Perintah Khidmat Masyarakat, PKM).
This new measure marks an important shift in how Malaysia approaches urban management and civic responsibility.
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You’re Not Just Throwing Away Trash
Under the new regulation, anyone who litters, even small and seemingly harmless items, may be ordered to perform community service.
This includes:
• Cigarette butts
• Tissues
• Plastic packaging
• Other small litter items
📌 Penalty:
Up to 12 hours of community service, to be completed within six months.
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What Is a Community Service Order (PKM)?
This is not merely a punishment, but an education-focused corrective measure.
Offenders may be required to:
• Pick up litter in public areas
• Clean drains
• Wash public toilets
• Take part in environmental maintenance work
⚠️ During service, offenders must wear designated uniforms, serving both as a reminder and a public example.
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What Do the Authorities Say?
Malaysia’s Minister of Housing and Local Government explained that:
The aim of this measure
is not simply to punish,
but to educate offenders to value cleanliness and environmental responsibility.
By personally taking part in cleaning work,
offenders can truly understand that
a clean environment should never be taken for granted.
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Why This Matters
The long-term goals are clear:
• To raise environmental awareness nationwide
• To strengthen civic responsibility
• To change the habit of careless littering
• To create cleaner, more orderly cities
Ultimately, Malaysia aims to move closer to the positive civic culture seen in countries like Japan and South Korea.
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More Than a Law Change — A Social Upgrade
From fines to community service,
from passive punishment to active responsibility,
this represents a shift in values.
When everyone takes responsibility for shared spaces,
our cities can truly move forward.
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🌱 Do you think community service orders can effectively reduce littering?
Share your thoughts.
