INDIVIDUALS caught littering and committing other offences under local council by-laws in Penang may soon find themselves not only paying fines but also carrying out community service, as the state prepares to enforce the Community Service Order beginning July 1.
State Local Government, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman H’ng Mooi Lye said the new measure would be implemented statewide as part of efforts to improve public cleanliness and civic responsibility.
“We understand that many people may still not be aware of the Community Service Order, and that’s why we are conducting public awareness efforts and hope the message will reach both Penangites and visitors through the media and social media platforms,” he told Buletin Mutiara after an awareness programme on the implementation of the order in the vicinity of George Town today.
H’ng said local council enforcement teams would be equipped with body cameras and supported by designated officers when carrying out enforcement duties.
He stressed that proper evidence gathering would remain a key part of the process before any action is taken against offenders.
“When an offence is committed, a notice will be served to the individual concerned. The case may then be brought before the court under the Community Service Order provisions,” he said.
According to H’ng, offenders prosecuted under the relevant provisions of the Local Government Act 1976 (Act 171) could face fines of up to RM2,000 and be ordered to perform up to 12 hours of community service.
He said several locations had already been identified by local authorities for the implementation of the programme, with each community service session limited to a maximum of four hours.
” We hope the introduction of the order will serve as both a deterrent against offences and an educational tool to instil greater civic consciousness among the public,” he added.
Also present during the awareness programme were Penang Island City Council (MBPP) mayor Datuk A. Rajendran, councillors Foo Yu Keong, Rohaizat Abd Hamid and Lim Wei Lun.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Law Suun Ting