SHAH ALAM, March 27 — The Selangor government is studying the feasibility of implementing a community service order to improve public hygiene, which could be rolled out as early as July if assessments are favourable, said local government, tourism and new villages executive councillor Dato’ Ng Suee Lim.
In an interview with Media Selangor, Ng noted that since the 2007 amendment to the Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Act 2007 (Act 672) addressing littering, certain states and federal territories have seen measurable improvements.
“Under the regulation, offenders may be required to perform community service, such as clearing drains, sweeping streets and cleaning public facilities. This serves as a public deterrent and raises awareness of environmental hygiene,” he said.
Ng added that the state government is currently reviewing and evaluating the relevant measures and will make further decisions at an appropriate time.
Additionally, he said that since the start of the year, the state government has intensified efforts through local authorities to tackle illegal dumping, including stricter enforcement and allocating RM10 million to increase garbage collection frequency in villages.
“Local authorities have strengthened monitoring and enforcement, including improving equipment such as CCTV, tightly controlling illegal dumping sites within their jurisdiction, and taking action such as closing illegal sites and seizing lorries. So far, illegal dumping issues in various areas have improved by 30 to 40 per cent and are under control,” he said.
Ng added that the RM10 million allocation from Darul Ehsan Waste Management (KDEBWM) will be used to increase garbage collection frequency in villages across local authority areas to better manage waste.
He said these measures will be gradually implemented in April, and an additional RM5 million may be allocated in the second half of the year if necessary, aiming to enhance cleanliness in villages and districts across Selangor.
Meanwhile, he noted that under existing law, if there is clear evidence of illegal dumping, authorities may impose fines of up to RM1,000 and seize the offending lorries.
“However, the current penalties can still be improved. In the future, we will explore reviewing and amending relevant laws to further strengthen enforcement,” he said.
