Courts will decide community service penalties for littering offences, says Nga

 

Housing and local government minister Nga Kor Ming said imposing community service would have a greater impact and serve as a deterrent rather than simply raising fines. (Facebook pic)

PETALING JAYA: 

The courts will determine the specific community service punishment for those found guilty of minor littering offences, says housing and local government minister Nga Kor Ming.

Nga said offenders may be required to perform tasks such as cleaning drains, sweeping streets or washing public toilets, with the minimum duration of service set at two hours, Bernama reported.

“The ministry will leave the punishment to the courts. For example, if the court orders four days of service, the offender will have to sweep the streets for four days.

“The ministry is only amending existing legal provisions,” he said after an event at the Teluk Intan Municipal Council today.

“Raising fines may not work as offenders can simply pay and repeat the offence. However, when required to do community service, offenders will realise the consequences of their actions and will be less likely to litter again,” he said.

Last November, Nga announced that an amendment to the law for the implementation of community service was expected to be tabled in the Dewan Rakyat in March this year. - FMT