Litterbugs will soon have to pick up their trash in Malacca

Malacca through the Malacca City Council (MBMB) will introduce a law to punish individuals who throw rubbish indiscriminately, especially at places declared as Unesco heritage sites.

Malacca Chief Minister Idris Haron said once the law was enforced, individuals found guilty of littering would not only be fined but also required to clean the area where they had conducted the offence.

"MBMB are in the process of enforcing the law once it is approved. We have introduced various initiatives and enforcement procedures but the mindset of the people has yet to change.

"We are faced with the difficult task of changing the mindset of the people but positive measures must be introduced to ensure Malacca remained clean because it is a leading tourist destination in the country," he told reporters after a 'Miss Tourism International-Cleanliness Jonker Walk' programme today.

He said the new law would be in addition to the current fine of RM10 imposed on individuals for littering which was enforced last year.

Idris also urged traders in Jonker Walk to keep their compounds clean.

Meanwhile, the 'Miss Tourism International-Cleanliness Jonker Walk' programme saw 16 Miss Tourism contestants currently in the country, coming forward to do their bit to participate in the 'gotong royong' programme along Jonker Walk.

The Miss Tourism contest will be held in Melaka on Jan 16

- Bernama