PUTRAJAYA, Aug 28 — The Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Corporation (SWCorp) will step up monitoring and enforcement by deploying enforcement personnel at key locations during the National Day celebrations.

The Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) said in a statement today that enforcement action would be taken against individuals found committing littering offences in public places throughout the celebrations.

“The public is reminded that littering in public places is an offence that may be subject to action under the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Act 2007,” the statement said.

Under the Act, offenders may be fined up to RM2,000 and, upon conviction, ordered to perform up to 12 hours of community service, to be completed within six months.

Community service may include cleaning work such as collecting and sweeping rubbish and cleaning public areas under the supervision of local authorities.

KPKT said visitors are responsible for ensuring that any rubbish they generate is disposed of in the designated bins before leaving the celebration venues.

In the same statement, Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said the spirit of National Day should be reflected not only through patriotism but also through discipline and responsibility in keeping the country clean.

“We want Malaysians to turn out in large numbers to celebrate National Day with enthusiasm and pride. After we shout ‘Merdeka’, let us not leave rubbish scattered everywhere.

“Love for the country is not merely about flying the Jalur Gemilang. It is also demonstrated through our attitude towards keeping the country clean and enhancing its image,” he said.

Nga said past experiences, including when Dataran Merdeka was left littered with rubbish after the 2026 World Cup final, should serve as a lesson to prevent a recurrence.

“Cleanliness is not solely the responsibility of cleaning workers. Instead, every individual must take responsibility for the rubbish they generate,” he said. — Bernama