Penang is set to adopt a tougher yet rehabilitative approach toward littering offences by introducing Community Service Orders starting July 1, 2026. The move is aimed at instilling greater environmental awareness while reducing reliance on monetary fines alone.
According to state officials, the Penang State Executive Council has approved the proposal by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government to enforce the order under the Street, Drainage and Building Act 2025.
A six-month preparation window has been granted to the state’s two local authorities — Seberang Perai City Council and Penang Island City Council — during which no enforcement will take place. Instead, task forces will be formed to finalise enforcement frameworks, public outreach strategies and operational guidelines.
The Community Service Order has already been enforced at the federal level and in several states. However, Penang, which has yet to adopt the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Act 2007, will implement the order through its own legal framework.
Authorities stressed that the order is not intended to replace existing fines but to complement them. Only offenders convicted by a court may be subjected to the order.
Those found guilty may be required to carry out up to 12 hours of public cleaning activities within six months of conviction, including collecting rubbish, washing public areas, trimming grass and clearing debris.
State leaders believe the initiative will encourage accountability and promote a cleaner urban environment across Penang.
