Three Singaporeans caught littering in Johor Bahru as Malaysia steps up enforcement under tougher laws

JOHOR, MALAYSIA: Three Singaporeans have been caught littering in Johor Bahru since the start of 2026, as Malaysian authorities intensify enforcement under strengthened anti-littering laws aimed at curbing irresponsible behaviour in public spaces.

The offenders were involved in separate incidents during routine enforcement operations.

Stressing that there would be “no free pass” for foreigners who flout local laws, officials said enforcement would be applied equally to locals and visitors.

Caught in Separate Enforcement Operations Around JB

Two of the Singaporean men were detained on 3 January near KSL City Mall in Taman Abad during a small-waste enforcement operation conducted by officers from the Johor Bahru branch of the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Corporation (SWCorp).

During the operation, enforcement officers also detained one Malaysian man, as well as individuals from Myanmar and Bangladesh.

SWCorp said the men were believed to have thrown small litter in a public area and were issued offence notices on the spot.

In a separate incident on 1 January, another Singaporean was detained during an enforcement operation along Jalan Garuda 2/1 in Larkin Jaya.

SWCorp said the individual was allegedly caught littering near a row of shopfronts and was similarly issued a notice for the offence.

All three cases are being investigated under Section 77A of Act 672.

Tougher Anti-Littering Laws and Enhanced Surveillance

The incidents come amid tighter enforcement of Malaysia’s anti-littering laws following recent amendments to Act 672.

Under the enhanced legislation, offenders may be ordered to perform up to 12 hours of community service within a maximum period of six months, in addition to fines of up to RM2,000 (US$493).

Community service duties may include collecting rubbish, cleaning public areas, cutting grass or clearing cobwebs.

SWCorp’s chief executive officer said enforcement operations will be conducted continuously nationwide, with sustained monitoring at both state and branch levels.

Beyond routine patrols, SWCorp has stepped up enforcement by deploying undercover officers in plain clothes, particularly in hotspots such as markets, transport terminals and commercial areas.

These officers are authorised to issue offence notices immediately once a violation is observed.

SWCorp said it remains firm in combating littering and improper waste disposal in public areas, adding that it will continue monitoring public spaces through multiple channels and work with other agencies on joint enforcement operations.

Members of the public are urged to cooperate with authorities and report cleanliness-related offences through SWCorp’s official complaint channels.