January 22, 2026
World
World
TOKYO, Jan 22 — Japan has halted the restart of the world’s largest nuclear power plant just hours after it began, though the reactor remains “stable,” the operator said.
KUALA LUMPUR, July 22 — The Dewan Rakyat yesterday passed the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management (Amendment) Bill 2025, giving courts the authority to impose community service orders on individuals found guilty of littering in public spaces.
Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said the new measure is introduced via subsection 77(B)(1), enabling courts to issue community service orders in addition to monetary fines.
“I observed that all honourable members have urged the government to act decisively in enforcing this amendment,” Nga said during his winding-up speech inParliament.
“I call on everyone to support the Housing and Local Government Ministry (KPKT) when it takes firm action against littering offenders and to refrain from defending those who irresponsibly discard waste.
“When the courts issue their rulings, let us uphold the principle of social justice without politicising or sensationalising the matter.”
The Bill passed by a majority voice vote after debate by 14 Members of Parliament (MPs).
Nga also clarified that the courts must consider an individual’s physical and mental health before deciding to impose a community service order.
“The Bill does not prescribe a minimum duration for such service in respect of judicial independence. Judges have full discretion to determine the appropriate period based on each individual’s condition,” he explained.
“In cases involving autistic children, for instance, the court can assess their mental state before deciding if community service is suitable,” he added, referring to a point raised by Rasah MP Cha Kee Chin.
To support enforcement, Nga noted that several measures are being planned to bolster the capacity of local authorities (PBTs), including recruitment, staff training, and the integration of modern technology.
When tabling the Bill for its second reading, Nga said the primary goal of the amendment is to educate the public on the importance of environmental cleanliness and to foster a sense of responsibility through visible consequences for littering.
He said the proposed community service would include offenders wearing identifiable vests and completing a designated number of service hours, with the aim of fostering awareness and preventing repeat offences.
“This move is designed not only to reduce pollution and health risks but also to promote compliance with the law,” Nga added.
He noted that the persistent high volume of waste collected suggests that current monetary fines alone are no longer an effective deterrent — making community service a more impactful alternative. — Bernama
