MBPP issues nine community service notices for littering since July 1

GEORGE TOWN: Since the Community Service Order (CSO) for littering offences came into effect on July 1, Penang Island City Council (MBPP) has issued notices to nine individuals.

MBPP mayor Datuk A. Rajendran said of that number, three men and two women were local, while the remaining four are foreign nationals.

He said that so far, a local man in his 50s was convicted by the George Town Magistrates' Court on Sept 2 and fined RM500, as well as ordered to perform eight hours of community service.

"To date, the offender has completed two hours of the CSO," he said at a press conference after chairing the 10th Ordinary Council Meeting of 2026 here today.

Rajendran said during the first two hours, the man was ordered to collect rubbish in the vicinity of Padang Kota.

MBPP will schedule the remaining six hours.

He said other forms of community service prescribed may also cover other cleaning work, such as washing drains or toilets.

He added that the eight other cases are still pending trial in court.

On July 1, Penang enforced the CSO against littering offences under the Local Government (Amendment) Act 2025 and the Streets, Drainage and Building (Amendment) Act 2025 as a measure to enhance public cleanliness throughout the state.

Immediate action is taken without warning against individuals found to have thrown, placed, discarded or left rubbish in public places and on public roads.

Action is taken based on surveillance and patrols by MBPP enforcement officers, supported by evidence and video recordings. — BERNAMA