KL litterbugs will be punished

KL litterbugs will be punished

KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia will punish litterbugs by making them clean up public places following an amendment to the country's constitution, reports said Friday.

The order for community service was necessary as the current 500 ringgit (US$132) fine was ineffective in deterring people from littering, Housing and Local Government Minister Ong Ka Ting was quoted as saying by The Star.

"Some people feel they are rich enough to pay the fine... it is hoped that such a move will be a strong deterrent against habitual litterbugs," he said.

"Just imagine a millionaire being asked to sweep the road all because he had littered earlier."

The newspaper said the constitution had been amended so that making someone work without payment would no longer be deemed as forced labor. It would be implemented once the amendment is gazetted.