KUCHING: Sarawak will not follow the Federal Housing and Local Government Ministry in imposing regulation that public offenders can be penalised with 12 hours of community service, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.
He said in Sarawak, local authorities operate under the state’s own autonomous framework and are not automatically bound by every policy introduced at the federal level.
“What is good and beneficial for Sarawak, we will study and consider. What is not suitable for our setting, we will not follow.
“Our focus is nation-building for Sarawak, and to do that effectively, we must adopt only the approaches that are appropriate for our circumstances,” he told reporters, after officiating at the Design Festival 2025 programme at a local hotel here today.
He was referring to the upcoming regulations that will take effect on January 1, 2026, by the Federal Housing and Local Government Ministry in imposing regulation that public offenders can be penalised with 12 hours of community service in Peninsular Malaysia.
He added Sarawak is as large as the whole of Peninsular Malaysia yet the state does not enjoy the same level of infrastructure development.
“We will concentrate on the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, we still have a long way to go. The next five years are crucial for us to catch up.
“As long as no one divides us, and even though there are many ‘red eyes’, we can accept criticism, but we cannot accept being backstabbed. Our unity and clear direction are what will move Sarawak forward.
“Nevertheless, we welcome any initiative that promotes cleanliness, responsibility and civic consciousness. However, we will evaluate this new measure based on Sarawak’s own needs, geographical realities and local authority capacity.
“If it aligns with our development goals and is practical for our context, we will adapt it accordingly. If it does not fit Sarawak’s unique setting, we will refine it or chart our own approach.
“Our priority is simple, whatever we implement must truly benefit the people of Sarawak and support our long-term development.
“Cleanliness and public responsibility are important, but the solutions must suit Sarawak’s environment, our communities, and our roadmap toward PCDS 2030,” he said.
Recently, Federal Housing and Local Government Minister, Nga Kor Ming, announced that beginning January 1, 2026, anyone who litters in public places will face 12 hours of community services, such as picking up rubbish, cleaning drains and public toilets, while wearing a special green vest.
Nga said fines will also be increased to RM2,000 for the first offence and RM3,000 for subsequent offences, and these penalties apply to everyone regardless of their status, including foreigners.
Meanwhile, Kuching South City Council Mayor, Datuk Wee Hong Seng, concurred with Dr Sim that Sarawak operates under its own local authority system, and federal rulings are not automatically compulsory for the state.
He said the new federal provision, requiring litterbugs to perform 12 hours of community service while wearing a special green vest, could be a ‘good move’ in areas where local councils are struggling, but stressed that Sarawak’s local authorities are still functioning well.
“Unless our local government machinery is not working, then such a measure might be necessary. But for now, our situation is still manageable. The throwing-rubbish-in-public-places syndrome is under control,” he said.
The mayor admitted that the idea of mandating public community service could act as a deterrent due to the embarrassment attached to it.
“To do public community service is very embarrassing, especially wearing a vest and cleaning drains or public toilets. It is also very dreading for offenders. But the regulations can be considered if needed,” he added.
He stressed that Sarawak would observe the effectiveness of its current enforcement first before deciding whether to adopt the federal model.
“If what we have now doesn’t work in the future, then we can consider the federal ruling as guidelines. For now, we will continue monitoring and strengthen our own enforcement where necessary,” he said.
