Nationwide Ops Cegah crackdown targets littering at major celebration hotspots
Malaysia rang in the New Year with heightened enforcement as authorities intensified action against public littering, reinforcing a zero-tolerance stance on cleanliness during mass celebrations.
Coordinated Enforcement at Celebration Hotspots
The Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Corporation, known as SWCorp, issued 42 Notices of Offence Notification during Ops Cegah held in conjunction with New Year’s Eve 2026 celebrations. The operation took place across 11 major hotspot locations nationwide, starting at 12.01 am following the full enforcement of Section 77A under the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Act 2007, also referred to as Act 672.
Breakdown of Offenders Identified
According to SWCorp, 24 of the offenders were Malaysian citizens, while 18 were foreign nationals. Most cases involved adults, with 40 recorded incidents, alongside two cases involving children. All individuals identified during the operation will be investigated and brought to court for further legal action under existing laws.
Common Littering Violations Recorded
The offences detected largely involved the improper disposal of everyday waste in public areas. Items included cigarette butts, plastic water bottles, canned drinks, tissue paper, food wrappers, and other discarded materials found on roads and public spaces. Authorities emphasized that such actions directly undermine public hygiene and environmental standards.
Large-Scale Cleanup Operations Deployed
Ops Cegah was carried out through an integrated nationwide effort involving SWCorp enforcement personnel, senior management, local authorities, and approximately 300 staff from concession companies. These teams conducted waste collection, street sweeping, drain cleaning, and installed additional rubbish bins to swiftly restore cleanliness in affected areas.
Legal Penalties and Community Service Orders
Under Act 672, individuals convicted of littering face fines of up to RM2,000. Courts may also impose a Community Service Order of up to six months, involving a maximum of 12 total working hours, capped at four hours per day. SWCorp stressed that these penalties are intended to deter repeat offences and promote civic responsibility.
Ongoing Monitoring Beyond Festive Periods
SWCorp chief executive officer Khalid Mohamed clarified that Ops Cegah is not limited to festive seasons. He confirmed that enforcement efforts will continue consistently through regular monitoring at state and branch levels. The New Year’s Eve operation concluded at 3 am and was immediately followed by early morning cleaning to maintain optimal public cleanliness.
The New Year’s Eve enforcement highlights Malaysia’s firm approach toward public cleanliness and environmental accountability. With consistent monitoring and clear penalties in place, the initiative signals a broader regional emphasis on sustainable urban management, an issue increasingly relevant to both Indonesians and Singaporeans navigating shared environmental and public space challenges.
Sources: Malay Mail (2026) , NST (2026)
Keywords: Public Cleanliness, Littering Offences, SWCorp Malaysia, Act 672, Environmental Law
