JOHOR BAHRU – A total of 16 individuals, including two Singaporeans, were sentenced to community service for littering in Johor.

Johor Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Corporation (SWCorp) director Zainal Fitri Ahmad said the offenders were among those convicted for disposing of cigarette butts, plastic bottles and drink cans in public places.

He said the punishment, carried out at a parking area of a shopping mall here, was part of the seventh series of community service orders implemented in the state.

“Among the 16 individuals involved are eight Malaysians, three Indonesians, two Bangladeshis, one Nepalese and two Singaporeans. They are serving community service punishment for offences related to littering small waste items,” he told a press conference on May 10.

Mr Zainal Fitri said the offenders were ordered to carry out the community service for two hours on May 10, while additional punishment periods would be determined later.

He added that the total fines imposed on the offenders amounted to RM14,400 (S$4,600), with up to RM2,000 per individual, depending on the court’s ruling.

“As at May 9, SWCorp Johor has issued 1,083 notices for littering offences statewide. Out of the total, 32 cases have been settled in court involving fines amounting to RM26,300,” he said.

He added that offenders sentenced to community service had been required to carry out between two and 10 hours of cleaning work, with 10 hours being the highest duration imposed so far.

Despite various awareness campaigns and enforcement efforts, Mr Zainal Fitri said littering offences were still occurring in public places and tourist hotspots across the state.

“I hope the public, especially youn...