KUCHING: The Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) has yet to deliberate on the proposal by the Housing and Local Government Ministry (KPKT) to implement a community service order of up to 12 hours for minor littering offences.
“We have not discussed this. I’ve only found out about it from today’s newspaper,” he said during a press conference on Thursday (Feb 20) after officiating the MPP Chinese New Year Open House celebration.
The proposal, announced by the federal minister of KPKT, aims to introduce mandatory community service for individuals found guilty of littering.
However, Tan stressed that such policies must first be evaluated by the Sarawak government and local councils before any decision is made.
“Since this was announced by the federal minister, we will need to discuss it at the full council meeting and with the state government before determining the next course of action.”
Tan also noted that the proposal currently applies only to West Malaysia. Sarawak authorities will first observe its effectiveness and reception before deciding whether to adopt similar measures.
“We will see the response and how it performs over there. If it proves to be a good policy that effectively reduces littering, then the state government may consider following suit. If there are negative impacts, we may decide otherwise.”
Tan reiterated that any decision would be made based on the outcomes observed in West Malaysia, stating that the interests of the local community would be a priority.
Yesterday, KPKT Minister Nga Kor Ming announced in a statement that the amendments involved the Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Act 2007 (Act 672) and the Street, Drainage and Building Act 1974 (Act 133).
“Through these amendments, failure to comply with the community service order may result in fines ranging from RM2,000 to RM10,000.
“The current legal provisions under the relevant acts permit fines ranging from RM500 to RM2,000 or imprisonment for up to one year,” he said.
