By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Feb 22: Sarawak had already drafted amendments to its local government laws years ago to introduce community service as a penalty for litterbugs, with the bill now undergoing refinement before submission to the Sarawak Attorney-General’s Chambers for approval.
Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng revealed this in response to the federal government’s recent proposal to impose up to 12 hours of community service for minor littering offenses through amendments to existing laws under the Ministry of Housing and Local Government.
“The proposed federal law does not apply to Sarawak, as the State has autonomy over local government affairs and its own legal framework,” he said during his ShallWeeTalk live session today.
He highlighted that as early as 2020 and 2021, Sarawak had already proposed and drafted amendments to its Local Government Ordinance, specifically under Sections 60A(1) and (2), which empower courts to impose mandatory community service in addition to fines for convicted offenders.
“This provision is an extension of the Offenders Compulsory Attendance Act, 1954,” he explained.
Wee added that the draft bill is progressing through the legislative process and, once finalised, will be submitted by the minister to the Sarawak Attorney-General before being gazetted upon approval.
“Any new legislation or amendments take time and cannot be implemented overnight. We are waiting for the full process to be completed and approved,” he said.
Despite Sarawak’s approach, Wee expressed support for the federal initiative, noting that stricter penalties could help curb littering and improve public cleanliness.
“Some people may think twice before littering if they fear the embarrassment of being ordered to perform community service. This could significantly reduce the problem,” he said.
He also reminded the public that illegal dumping is not limited to everyday waste but includes bulky furniture, renovation debris, and even pruned branches—all of which could lead to prosecution if disposed of improperly. — DayakDaily
