Authorities have issued three notices during the first three days of enforcing Malaysia’s Community Service Order (CSO) for littering offences in Penang, with all cases involving the improper disposal of cigarette butts in Jawi, South Seberang Perai.
State Local Government and Town and Country Planning Committee chairman H’ng Mooi Lye said the enforcement action followed the implementation of the Community Service Order (CSO) on July 1 under the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Act 2007 (Act 672).
“So far, three notices have been issued, all involving cigarette butt littering offences in Jawi,” he said. H’ng said enforcement operations are continuing across Penang Island, although no notices have been issued there to date.
He stressed that the issuance of a notice does not mean an individual has been found guilty, as all cases must go through the legal process before any conviction can be made.
“The notices do not mean the individuals concerned have been convicted of an offence. Every case must be brought before the court, and only the court can determine whether they are guilty,” he said.
According to H’ng, all notices issued by enforcement officers will be submitted to the courts in accordance with the prescribed procedures, while hearing dates will be determined based on the schedules of the enforcement authorities and the judiciary.
The Community Service Order, which came into effect on July 1, is aimed at strengthening enforcement against littering offences by allowing offenders convicted by the courts to perform community service as part of their punishment. Authorities have urged the public to dispose of waste responsibly to help maintain cleaner public spaces across the state.
