Indonesian Citizen Becomes First to be Imprisoned in Malaysia for Littering Cigarette Butt

An Indonesian citizen has become the first person to be sentenced to prison in Malaysia for littering a cigarette butt in a public place.

Zainal Fitri Ahmad, Director of the Johor Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Corporation (SWCorp), as reported by Bernama and New Straits Times on Wednesday (16/09/2026), stated that the violation occurred in the Stulang area last February.

The identity of the Indonesian national was not disclosed to the public. It was only noted that the individual is a 36-year-old general worker.

The Indonesian man began serving a one-month prison sentence on 28 August after failing to pay a fine of 1,000 Ringgit (approximately Rp 4.3 million) imposed by the Malaysian court.

“The man will undergo a Community Service Order (CSO) for six hours after completing his prison term,” Zainal Fitri said during a press conference on Tuesday (15/09) local time.

Zainal Fitri reaffirmed that littering in public places is a legal offence under Section 77A of the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Act 2007.

Offenders may face fines of up to 2,000 Ringgit (approximately Rp 8.7 million) or be ordered to undergo community service for up to six months. Such community service includes tasks such as sweeping streets, cleaning drains and public toilets, and assisting with tree pruning in public areas.

Furthermore, failure to comply with imposed penalties may lead to further action, including a maximum fine of 10,000 Ringgit (approximately Rp 43.7 million).

Malaysian authorities officially implemented stricter legal regulations regarding littering on 1 January 2026. These regulations also apply to foreign nationals residing in the country.

The legal violations include the act of discarding, placing, or leaving waste such as cigarette butts, water bottles, beverage cans, plastic tissues, and food wrappers in public places and on public streets.

In cases involving children, the parents or guardians of the minor will be held accountable.