Malaysia has begun enforcing stricter penalties for littering and spitting as part of a nationwide effort to improve public cleanliness and strengthen the country’s appeal as a tourist destination. The new regulations came into force on 1 January 2026, marking the start of a tougher approach to public sanitation.
Under the updated rules, individuals taken to court for littering-related offences face fines of up to RM2,000 (around US$492) and may be ordered to complete up to 12 hours of community service. Authorities say the measures are designed to promote greater public responsibility and raise cleanliness standards across the country.
During a nationwide enforcement operation carried out on 1–2 January 2026, authorities apprehended 120 offenders, including 86 Malaysian citizens and 34 foreign nationals. Inspections covered major tourist destinations such as Johor, Melaka, Pahang and Kedah, as well as the federal territories of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, indicating that the rules will be applied broadly.
The initiative has drawn comparisons with neighbouring Singapore, which is known for its strict anti-littering policies and was named the world’s cleanest tourist city in 2025. Malaysian officials have stated that the country aims not only to meet regional cleanliness standards but to exceed them.
The move highlights the growing role of urban cleanliness in sustainable tourism strategies and the broader push to create more livable and attractive cities across Southeast Asia.