PETALING JAYA, Selangor, Aug 4 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Plastics Manufacturers Association (MPMA) strongly supports the passing of the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management (Amendment) Bill 2025 in the Dewan Rakyat on 22 July 2025. The new law empowers courts to impose up to 12 hours of community service for individuals caught littering, alongside fines of RM2,000 to RM10,000 for non-compliance.
 
Under the amendment, offenders assist municipal workers in tasks such as road sweeping, drainage clearing, and toilet sanitation while wearing identifiable vests - a visible reminder of the consequences of littering and encouraging civic responsibility. The law also ensures assignments are fair and considerate of the offender’s physical and mental condition.
 
“This is a bold and progressive step by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) that shifts enforcement from punishment to public education and community amends,” said Mr CC Cheah, President of MPMA. “By engaging offenders in meaningful cleanup efforts, this law transforms irresponsible behaviour into a learning experience. MPMA applauds YB Nga Kor Ming and KPKT for this landmark legislation.”
 
MPMA's environmental initiatives already reflect the spirit of the new law. Since 2015, MPMA has led its flagship “Don’t Be a Litterbug” campaign to tackle littering through public engagement and behaviour change via:
 
Checkpoints at public events to encourage bin usage and waste separation at source;
 
Community outreach and education to build lifelong anti-littering habits; and
 
Collaborations with local councils and youth groups to promote cleanliness at the grassroots level.
 
The campaign runs annually across MPMA’s Branches in Johor, Penang, Perak, Sabah and Sarawak.
 
In support of the national agenda, MPMA will collaborate with KPKT on Malaysia Cleaning Day 2025 in Port Dickson on 27 September 2025. This nationwide event is expected to draw participation from industry partners, NGOs, schools, and concerned citizens, making it a powerful symbol of shared responsibility.
 
“Our efforts are not just industry-driven but are people-driven. We believe real change happens when communities and industries work hand-in-hand. MPMA is proud to support the 13^th Malaysia Plan (RMK-13) vision for a cleaner, healthier future,” Mr Cheah added.
 
The recently announced RMK-13 promotes social empowerment, environmental governance and shared responsibility in driving Malaysia forward as a country amidst global and local challenges. MPMA will continue to collaborate with policymakers, local authorities, and civil society to expand community-based anti-littering activities nationwide, promote responsible plastics use while reducing environmental leakage, and strengthen public education through its outreach programmes and campaigns.
 
MPMA remains committed to driving positive behaviour change and believes collective action is key to building a cleaner Malaysia for future generations.
 
About Malaysian Plastics Manufacturers Association (MPMA)
Established in 1967, MPMA is the official voice of Malaysia’s plastics industry, servicing 800 members representing 60% of the nation’s plastics manufacturers and 80% of plastics production. As a non-profit, MPMA champions sustainable growth, innovation, and environmental responsibility.

SOURCE: Malaysian Plastics Manufacturers Association (MPMA)

FOR MORE INFORMATON, PLEASE CONTACT: 
Name: Ms Crystal Cheah
Tel: +03 7876 3027
Email: crystal@mpma.org.my
Website: mpma.org.my
 
--BERNAMA